The NYPD will be out in full force, along with its hundreds of new recruits, for Manhattan’s New Year’s Eve bash — Mayor Eric Adams said Friday while reassuring revelers that there are “no credible threats” to the annual celebrations.
“We will be out here with our canines, on horseback, our helicopters, our boats,” Adams said at a press conference with NYPD Friday afternoon.
“The full complement of our public safety apparatus will be on display,” he added.
The increased security, which has become common on New Year’s Eve, will include drones in the sky and closed-down streets as the NYPD draws on thousands of cops to keep a keen eye over the crush of partiers who flood Midtown to watch the ball drop.
It will also include the annual ban on backpacks, duffel bags and large packages, as well as alcohol, in the area around Times Square for those trying to attend.
The police presence, though, is merely a precaution, according to Adams.
“The entire team over at intel, they are monitoring the usual chatter and as Chief [Jeff Maddrey] said, there are no specific threats to the city,” he said.
“But as we saw last year, after having no specific threats we get a threat,” the mayor said.
Last New Year’s Eve, a rookie cop on his first day on the job was attacked with a machete just a block from Times Square.
“Our NYPD officers will keep everyone in attendance safe to celebrate the ringing in the New Year in the greatest city in the world,” Chief Maddrey said at the press conference.
This year’s recent class of more than 600 newly minted cops, who were sworn in on Friday, will be out to help with security as well, according to the chief.
“Our special operations, counterterrorism units, our canine units will be deployed all throughout Times Square and throughout the city,” the chief said, adding, “There will be a large contingency of officers you won’t see as well, many plainclothes ensuring the safety of our city. “
“An watching overhead will be our aviation unit and our drone deployment unit.”
Officials also reminded everyone to use the subways if they plan on getting around the Big Apple easily with a number of street closures going into effect on Sunday.
“We’re urging everyone: if you are here for the first time, you’re not going to drive through this weekend,” Adams said.
“But our public transportation is open. We are really encouraging everyone to use mass transit.”