Governor Cuomo Announces Enhanced Security Measures in Advance of New Year's Eve Celebrations
New York, NY - December 31, 2018 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that additional security measures are being deployed ahead of tonight's New Year's Eve celebrations. New York State Police will be at maximum staffing and will track and monitor all mass gatherings across the state. 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, including airports, bridges, tunnels, and mass transit systems. These measures are all precautionary.
"Public safety is always our number one priority and out of an abundance of caution I am directing our security agencies to enhance their efforts across the State in advance of tonight's festivities," Governor Cuomo said. "These increased security measures will help ensure all New Yorkers and the thousands of visitors visiting the Empire State to celebrate the New Year have a safe and happy holiday."
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 will be at maximum staffing and there will be an increased police presence in communities across the State. State Police are tracking and monitoring all mass gatherings and are coordinating efforts with other law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and increase security and safety. Troopers have also been assigned to a dedicated traffic detail, aimed at keeping impaired drivers off of our roads.
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. 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. Visit https://www.ny.gov/programs/see-something-send-something for more information.