The Massachusetts State Police have a new division focused on combating threats to the state from extremists and drug traffickers.
During a visit to the state police headquarters in Framingham Thursday, Gov. Charlie Baker said the State Police Division of Homeland Security and Preparedness will consolidate and enhance counter-terrorism, narcotics interdiction, and criminal intelligence operations currently spread throughout other divisions of the state police.
" We believe the possibilities to significantly improve our efforts in both drug and human trafficking and terrorism are going to be quite significant," Baker said.
Funding for the new division is included the state budget Gov. Baker signed last month.
The budget also allows for a new State Police Academy of 145 recruits.
