[VIDEO & PHOTOS OF ‘HIGH-HOLIDAY MEETING’ POSTED BELOW]
Security in the city remains tight following the anniversary of September 11th as police look forward to the High Holy days.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said Tuesday that security will not be as severe, but will have to remain in place for some time until threats are entirely gone.
He said officers will still be routinely checking bags at subways throughout the city.
“We are making judgments literally on an hourly basis. You still see checkpoints in place, we are doing additional coverage in our transit system and other locations. Obviously it is less than it was on the weekend, but we’ll continue to be vigilant at least for the near term,” Kelly said.
The NYPD is also increasing protection in Jewish neighborhoods as Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur approach.
Increased foot patrols and counterterror teams will be patrolling those areas.
Police said although there is not any specific threat, synagogues are considered potential terror targets.
“The NYPD will succeed in insuring a peaceful observance of the high holiday days. I plan to do so,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “My daughters are perfectly comfortable in going out and participating. They feel safe in the city and I hope every New Yorker feels safe in this city.”
Kelly also said the extra security around the anniversary of the terror attacks helped prevent any would-be terrorist attack, if there was one planned.
“I think it was well done. The officers responded to the challenge. It was a major undertaking by the department,” said the police commissioner. I will tell you this, the community was extremely cooperative.”
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(Source: NY1)