New York Police Department officials say 300 to 350 officers will receive special training in counterterrorism tactics – but they won’t be used to police protests.
Department spokesman Stephen Davis says Friday the group will learn how to respond to active threats like the attack earlier this month in Paris.
They’ll be armed with assault rifles and protective gear and will visit sensitive locations like the Empire State Building regularly.
That so-called “critical response” show of force is currently done by precinct officers from the five boroughs.
Davis says another cohort of about 300 officers currently assigned to borough task forces will be used to supplement protest policing and other assignments.
Commissioner William Bratton announced changes to the department’s organization in a speech Thursday to the Police Foundation.
(AP)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
One Response
I’m no expert in law enforcement, but I seriously wonder whether this statement reflects much intellect. When protestors create a situation in which anyone is placed in a situation to fear for their lives without having committed a crime, it is terror that must be countered. Perhaps the crowd control requires a different set of skills, but I would not keep counterterrorism training away from protests. Besides, the information about police tactics being shared with the public seems to be “too much said”.