Shortly after the events of September 11, 2001, New Jersey's legislature and Governor passed and signed the [.HTM|Domestic Security Preparedness Act], which created the Domestic Security Preparedness Task Force within the Office of the Attorney General.

OCT provided New Jersey with a single agency to lead and coordinate New Jersey's counterterrorism efforts with state, local and federal authorities and with the private sector.

OCT remained in place until 2006, when it was reorganized—again by Executive Order—into the NJOHSP, as a move to bolster New Jersey's resources for counterterrorism, critical infrastructure protection, emergency preparedness and federal grants management.

NJOHSP was tasked with coordinating counterterrorism and emergency response efforts across all levels of government, law enforcement, emergency management, nonprofit organizations and the private sector.

Laurie R. Doran was first appointed as acting director of NJOHSP by Governor Phil Murphy in June 2017 before being appointed to serve as the Director of NJOHSP by Governor Phil Murphy in February 2022.