They are not only using more than 14-hundred private sector cameras along the marathon route from which footage can be retrieved, but also adding new cameras.
"We've brought on board about 100 new portable cameras that we've positioned along the route where we saw gaps," NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said.
Officials also demonstrated one the city's 43 bomb-sniffing dogs, detecting a form of black powder planted in a bag at Friday's news conference.
Ever since the day after the Boston Marathon bombings, New York City has not only been ramping up its security efforts, but also its p-r after marathon organizers and the city were brutally criticized last year for waiting until the last minute to cancel the marathon in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.
"Now we have a system to be able to text instant and deliver messages, so we've learned a lot," New York Road Runner President Mary Wittenberg said.
Runners say they've learned a lot too, especially after the Boston Marathon bombing.
"Be aware of something that might be unusual - the dreaded backpack left behind, anywhere," Boston Marathoner Jinnohn Gilmore said.
Kelly said Friday he met with Boston officials after the bombing at the marathon earlier this year and have gleaned some lessons on how to better secure the 26.2-mile route.
Volunteers have been pre-screened and will be screened again on the day of the race.
Kelly and race organizers are encouraging spectators to leave bags at home. If bags are brought, they may be searched.
