State Troopers to assist in New Jersey

RICHMOND, R.I. (WPRI) -- Several members of the Rhode Island State Police will be heading to New Jersey Saturday to assist local law enforcement in Sandy's aftermath.

Nineteen Troopers will be deploying from the Hope Valley barracks at about 5 p.m. Saturday and arrive in New Jersey later that night.

The Troopers will assist the New Jersey State Police and other local departments to control traffic, respond to calls, and assist as needed.  They will be sworn in by the New Jersey Attorney General's office so they will have arrest powers for the duration of their deployment, which is expected to be about a week at a time.

Governor Lincoln Chafee praised the deployment in a statement, saying "I am pleased that our outstanding Rhode Island State Police will be lending valuable support to the people of New Jersey and local law enforcement officials."