NewsCovering the Nation

Actions

Massive security will be in place in Times Square on New Year's Eve

Posted at 7:51 PM, Dec 27, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-27 19:51:40-05

As hundreds of thousands of people prepare to gather in Times Square for New Year's Eve, there is a lot of behind the scenes preparation.

"I think New Year's Eve is one of the few times when the whole country and the whole world comes together," Tim Tompkins of the Times Square Alliance said Friday.

Waterford Crystal revealed the new crystal triangles that adorn the famous New Year's Eve ball. This year's theme is "The Gift of Goodwill."

"We want everybody this year with goodwill to pause for just a moment and to look for the good in people, look for the good in situations, look for the good in everybody," Waterford's Tom Brennan said.

One billion people across the world are expected to watch the ball drop. And the NYPD said Friday, there will be a massive amount of security in place for the people who attend.

"I can tell you that we currently have no specific credible threats directed toward any of our events. Still I am going to ask that members of the public, as always, remain vigilant," NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said at a security briefing.

The NYPD said there will be thousands of cops in uniform, as well as undercover officers, heavy weapons teams, bomb sniffing dogs and radiation detection teams.

"Backpacks, duffel bags, packages and alcohol will not be permitted into the area," NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan said.

There will be 65 pens to hold revelers. And some enter as early as 11 a.m. Expect street closures throughout the day Tuesday. People attending the celebration are urged to use public transportation.

This article was written by Allison Kaden for WPIX .