Thursday, December 28, 2017

Efforts Underway to Enhance Security for New Year's Eve Celebrations

 

Additional security measures are being put into place ahead of New Year's Eve to enhance protection of more than 1 million visitors who flock to New York City each year to celebrate. At the Governor's direction, the State Emergency Operations Center will be activated on New Year's Eve and state agencies, including the New York State Police, National Guard, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey are increasing security at high-profile locations in New York City, including airports, bridges, tunnels, and mass transit systems. These measures are all precautionary.

"Our freedoms and our diversity are great sources of pride for New Yorkers, they have also made us targets for those who seek to disrupt our way of life," Governor Cuomo said. "With millions of people set to descend on New York City for New Year's Eve, I have directed our security agencies to enhance their efforts out of an abundance of caution to help ensure the safety of all those celebrating."

State Police & National Guard

The New York State Police have been on a heightened state of alert since before the start of the holiday season, and will continue to have an increased presence at critical state infrastructure and transportation facilities. At the Governor's direction, the State Police is doubling the number of Troopers working at posts throughout the city, including at JFK and LaGuardia airports. This deployment includes additional canine teams, and members of the Bomb Disposal and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Units. The National Guard will also deploy additional resources and increase surveillance of critical infrastructure including transportation hubs.

Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has been in contact with key local public safety officials in New York City including NYPD, Port Authority, and MTA. The New York State Emergency Operations Center will activate to Level 4, enhanced monitoring from 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve until 2 a.m. New Year's Day. The Division remains in a state of readiness and prepared to disseminate information to our public safety partners statewide as necessary. 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

The Port Authority has significantly increased its presence at all of the agency's bridge, tunnel, rail, bus terminals, World Trade, airports and other facilities following a recent attack. The Port Authority has also significantly increased the numbers of police officers, including long gun-carrying police officers, and deployed special tactical teams. Actions include increased patrols and checks of bags, buses, trucks and trains at agency locations.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

 The MTA has also increased their patrols and surveillance in order to provide heightened protection at major rail hubs. The MTA Police Department has stepped up its uniformed and plainclothes presence in Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal as well as other major stations throughout the Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road network. Police canine teams and units with heavy weapons will provide extra protection as well as a noticeable sign of increased security. Railroad customers will also see surge patrols, increased step-on/step-off patrols of trains, and random bag checks at various locations. 

Behind the scenes, the MTA Police Department, MTA New York City Transit security and MTA Bridges and Tunnels Officers share intelligence information and coordinate their threat response with other police and security agencies to ensure a seamless web of protection throughout the region.

New York State Police and the New York National Guard members have been assigned to high-profile MTA locations for more than a year, and they are helping secure these locations as well as reassuring the public that the authorities are dedicated to ensuring their safety. The MTA closely monitors large public events that occur in or near its facilities and will provide heightened awareness of activities there.

The MTA works closely with the NYPD to secure New York's subways and buses, and MTA Bridges and Tunnels Officers are using a mix of visual and technological surveillance to ensure safety at its seven bridges and two tunnels in New York City.

"If You See Something, Say Something"

New Yorkers are reminded to stay alert to their surroundings, and to report any suspicious activity. Reports can be made to the Counter Terrorism Center at the New York State Intelligence Center via its terrorism tip line: 1-866-SAFENYS (1-866-723-3697); or by email: ctcenter@nysic.ny.gov.

New Yorkers can also download the See Something, Send Something app on your smartphone to inform authorities of a potential threat. Click here for more information.

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

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