NYPD To Commands: Maintain Vigilance Against Terrorism During Holiday Season
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police on Tuesday issued a bulletin to officers, reminding them to maintain vigilance during the holiday season since terrorist attacks can come without warning.
The bulletin to all NYPD commands emphasized that New York City remains a top target for terrorists, and the FBI and the NYPD prevented three separate plots targeting New York City.
Officers were advised to be "acutely aware of their surroundings," including suspicious packages, persons or vehicles. Officers were also to familiarize themselves with a recently-revised patrol guide procedure on handling active shooters – with a warning against mass self-deployment.
"Past terrorist incidents (Paris, Mumbai, etc.) have demonstrated that the first incident may be only the early phase of a multi-pronged attack," the bulletin said.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner Stephen P. Davis said contrary to a published report, there was no intelligence briefing with police Commissioner Bill Bratton and his staff did not have an intelligence briefing on Tuesday, and there has been no threat that has been deemed credible.
"Since the Paris and San Bernardino attacks we have increased patrols and other counterterrorism resources out of an abundance of caution," Davis said in a statement. "The NYPD will continue working with the FBI, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the entire intelligence community to protect New Yorkers."
Following the Paris attacks last month, the NYPD unveiled an elite new counterterrorism squad. Officials said the officers have received elite training in what amounts to armed warfare against any terrorist who would try to hit New York City.
By Dec. 31, there will be 560 members in the unit. Bratton said they will be fully operational by the end of the year.