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The NYPD’s annual pre-Passover briefing was held at Police Headquarters on Monday. Hundreds of religious leaders, Jewish community representatives and members of the service attended.

Police Commissioner James O’Neill promises stepped-up security for the Passover holiday. He said the NYPD will increase the police presence at all Jewish institutions in the city.

The NYPD will deploy additional resources including “Hercules” patrols by heavily armed officers to synagogues, Jewish neighborhoods and other potentially sensitive locations during the religious holiday. Foot posts, visits by officers to synagogues, outreach by community affairs officers, a heightened presence of anti-crime units to deter theft, and patrols by special “house of worship” cars will all be part of how the Department will continue to keep New Yorkers safe. It similarly increases security at religious institutions during other religious holidays.

The Pre-Passover Briefing began in 1979 with 12 Jewish community leaders. Since 1991, and with the development of the Clergy Liaison program, the briefing has evolved into an information sharing community meeting with hundreds of religious leaders in attendance.

PHOTOS BY HILLEL ENGEL FOR YWN: