Officials have claimed it: There will be no space for terrorism and other acts of violence during the Ball Drop tonight. As thousands of New York Police Officers are deployed and securing every person's safety, Time Square will be the 'Safest Place in the World".
"Leave the worrying to the NYPD," said James O'Neill, chief of the department. "People should feel safest this New Year's Eve because we're there." The authorities feel confident, especially now that they have designated a new specialized counterterrorism unit for tonight's anticipated occasion.
At least 6,000 patrol officers will be assigned to the festivities. Visitors will see heavily armed counterterrorism teams and bomb-sniffing dogs. Over 500 highly trained officers will also be deployed to respond to any emergency.
Terrorism is disregarded by the police for no credible threats were made ahead the holidays, but according to Police Commissioner William Bratton, this is not an excuse for their forces to be complacent and lax. People should expect high police visibility and presence, especially in the heart of the city where most of the celebrations will take place. They would also focus on fast responses to any emergency rather than preventive measures like security checkpoints.
"The ability to protect everything all the time everywhere is not possible in any venue anywhere in the world," Bratton said.
This year, about 1 million people are expected to gather and spend the night blocks around Times Square for the countdown watch the 11,875-pound (5,400-kilogram) Waterford crystal ball drop. There would also be performances and musical acts throughout the evening. Singers such as Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Puth and Demi Lovato will be entertaining watchers until and after the 12 midnight drop.
There will be 14 access points to the secure zone, in which partygoers need to go through metal detectors twice.
On the other hand, hotels, theaters, parking spaces near the square will also be covered. The bomb squad and a special unit will inspect for possible improvised bombs and explosives. The team will also patrol the Times Square subway station, and certain exits will be blocked off.
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