NYPD ramps up security for New Year's Eve in Times Square despite no credible threats
TIMES SQUARE (WABC) -- More than a million people are expected to ring in 2025 in Times Square and the NYPD said there are no specific, credible threats to the celebration.
The security plan has been "calibrated" to account for the Christmas market attack in Germany and sanitation trucks will be positioned at intersections to prevent vehicle ramming, as they have been in years past.
"The public can expect to see a tremendous amount of police resources," Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
The plan also includes uniformed and plainclothes officers, canine teams, helicopters and boats.
"We will make sure each one of those who comes here to celebrate is safe," Mayor Eric Adams said. "They see the main stage and the ball dropping. What they don't realize is how much goes on behind the scenes to keep people safe."
There will be members of elite specialized units who will be strategically deployed throughout the area and on rooftops as well as K-9 teams on patrol with bomb-sniffing dogs. Dedicated teams will work to thwart pick-pocketers and monitor activities at hotels in the area.
There will also be eyes up above with six drone teams.
"We are looking for any type of anomalies, maybe somebody having a medical emergency, maybe there might be people that may be in distress," said Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry.
Street closures begin at 4 a.m. Tuesday and eventually 42nd to 57th Streets and Sixth to Eight avenues will be blocked off.
Viewing areas will officially open at 3 p.m. and pedestrians can begin to enter at checkpoints at 49th, 52nd, and 56th streets from both Sixth and Eighth avenues. Spectators will be screened by counterterrorism officers. Once they enter a viewing area, there will be no re entry.
The periphery was expanded last year to account for an ISIS-inspired attack two years ago on police staffing a checkpoint
No backpacks, large bags, coolers, chairs, alcohol or umbrellas are allowed in viewing areas.
"Please keep this in mind, some weather forecasts call for scattered showers at this time, so check the weather and plan accordingly," Tisch said.
Additionally, Gov. Kathy Hochul says New York State Police will be at maximum staffing and the National Guard Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support team is on standby. The MTA and Port Authority will also be keeping a close watch.
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