Know before you go: NYE Times Square Security

Know before you go: NYE Times Square Security

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Dec 31, 2015

Some will not be deterred from the scene at Times Square this New Year’s Eve despite the threats on soft targets the past few months. Whether it is your first or twenty-first time watching the NYE celebrations, it is always nice to have a plan, especially since each year brings its own set of new challenges.

Being squeezed in with 1 million of your closest strangers is not for the faint of heart, but if you do choose to go, there are a few things you should know first.

Entries: Security Checkpoints

At the entry points, there will be some security for you to get through to ensure that those who are being corralled in front of the main stage do not pose a threat to those around them. Each person will be searched with a hand-held wand and smaller bags will be searched. Large bags and backpacks will not be permitted in the event, so leave those at home.

Anyone who declines to go through security or does not allow anyone to search their bag will not be permitted into the event.

Presence of Officers

There will be “plain clothes” officers deployed throughout the event as well as uniformed police. These officers will be looking out for anything that is odd in the midst of the celebrations. There will also be some officers overseeing from rooftop posts.

Police are given special instruction to look out for suspicious packages, people or things. They will monitor crowds and escort those who are not abiding by the rules from the event.

If You See Something, Say Something.

NYPD strongly urges NYE Times Square celebrators to stay attentive and be aware of their surroundings. While it is easy to get caught up in the glamour of the show, they expect you to report any kind of suspicious activity.  

Most of all, just have fun! The best place to start the New Year is in a safe, secure environment in which you can celebrate.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Securing the Future

    Two security experts sit down with Security Today’s editor in chief Ralph C. Jensen to discuss what they see emerging and changing over the next several years along with how security stakeholders can harness these innovations into opportunities. Read Now

  • Collaboration Made Easy Using a Work Management Platform

    Effective collaboration between security operators, teams and other departments is critical to the smooth functioning of organizations. Yet, as organizations grow in complexity, it becomes more difficult for teams to coordinate with each other. This is compounded by staffing shortages, turnover and ineffective collaboration tools. Read Now

  • Creating a Safer World

    Managing and supporting locks and door hardware within a facility is a big responsibility. A building’s security needs to change over time as occupancy and use demands evolve, which can make it even more challenging. Read Now

  • Report: 78 Percent of CISOs Seeing Significant Impact from AI-Powered Cyber Threats

    Darktrace recently unveiled its 2025 State of AI Cybersecurity report. The findings reveal that 78% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) surveyed say that AI-powered threats are having a significant impact on their organizations, a 5% increase1 from 2024. While an increasing number of CISOs report feeling a significant impact from AI threats, more than 60% now say that they are adequately prepared to defend against these threats, an increase of nearly 15% year-over-year. However, insufficient AI knowledge and skills and a shortage of personnel and talent continue to be listed as the two top inhibitors to a successful defense. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.