New Yorkers watching the big Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show, or any other official fireworks displays in the city, can expect to see lots of blue – NYPD blue.
“Many officers with the heavy vest, helmets and long guns,” said NYPD Chief of Department James O’Neill.
NYPD counterterrorism officers have been a fixture at Independence Day celebrations in recent years, but this will be the first July Fourth for a new city counter-terror force, the critical response command. They’re trained to quickly respond to various situations, including bomb threats and active shooters.
Officials say there is no credible threat, but as with all major events in the city, the NYPD and FBI will deploy an extra layer of security, from harbor and aviation units to surveillance cameras to additional uniform officers and undercovers.
There are other safety issues for the NYPD across the five boroughs this holiday. More than 500 police officers will be assigned specifically to look for fireworks, which are illegal in the city.
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