Through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the New York State Police has been asked to respond to the U.S. Virgin Islands, which have experienced catastrophic damage after Hurricane Irma. News reports indicate that the areas – with devastation to infrastructure and the power grid – are being plagued by looting and robbing.

As was the case after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans in 2005, Troopers will respond wherever we are needed. The PBA is in contact with Division about the detail that is being assembled.

The EMAC mutual aid agreement was ratified by Congress in 1996, and all 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have passed legislation to become members.

–          Tom Mungeer