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NYPD Expands Times Square New Year’s Eve Security With New In-Pen Screenings

City leaders describe a heightened environment without a specific threat.

Overview

  • Police say the operation will be larger than last year, with the entire department on duty and exact officer counts undisclosed.
  • Mobile teams will conduct secondary screenings inside viewing pens for the first time to check suspicious situations after entry.
  • Specialized assets will include emergency service, bomb squad, canine and heavy weapons teams, plus harbor units, helicopters, drones, pickpocket and hotel response teams.
  • Street closures begin early Wednesday with Seventh Avenue from 42nd to 48th streets closing first, viewer entry opens at 3 p.m., and attendees are urged to use public transit.
  • Officials vow zero tolerance for attempts to disrupt the celebration as intelligence units monitor social media and a joint operations center coordinates with city, state and federal partners.