Lakewood Township hosted its first-ever Global Entry interview event on Wednesday, August 19, bringing U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials directly to the Lakewood Municipal Building to interview local residents seeking enrollment in the popular trusted traveler program.

A steady stream of residents took advantage of the opportunity throughout the day. Global Entry provides approved travelers with expedited processing when entering the United States and also includes TSA PreCheck benefits for airport security screenings.

Lakewood Township worked extensively with CBP to secure a substantial number of local interview appointments for Lakewood applicants. Officials said the event was the first of its kind in Ocean County and among only a small number of similar events ever held in New Jersey. The state’s only permanent Global Entry enrollment center is located at Newark Liberty International Airport.

“We would like to thank the CBP for working with the Township and community leaders to arrange this event,” Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein said. “This enabled many local residents, including seniors and large families, to enroll in Global Entry without a time-consuming trip. We look forward to continuing to work with the CBP on behalf of our residents.”