NYPD Deploying Drone for First Time To Secure New Year's Party (bloomberg.com)

New York City police will deploy a camera-equipped drone above Times Square, along with new "counter-drone technology" blocking other devices from the area, where they expect as many as 2 million New Year's Eve revelers. From a report: The drone technology is the newest innovation developed by the largest U.S. police department as it prepares for an annual event that already features a broad array of anti-terrorism tactics. They will be used along with police airplanes and helicopters as surveillance tools, said Police Commissioner James O'Neill. Police and federal agents have worked with hotel staffs throughout the area in an effort to prevent an incident similar to the sniper who shot to death 59 outdoor concert-goers from a hotel room high above the Las Vegas strip on Oct. 1, 2017. O'Neill said authorities have no evidence of any credible threat of terrorism for New Year's Eve.

Comments

Re:Whatever you do, don't go to Times Square

[b0s0z0ku]

What could the cops do? Nothing. NYC would be better off if 50% of its police didn't show up to work and didn't enforce anything but violent crimes. There was a time where the NYPD went on "strike" and stopped issuing tickets for "quality of life" and "traffic" offenses. Know what happened? Nothing. Violent crime actually went DOWN that month.

Overpolicing in the US is the problem, not the solution.

Re:Times Square

[Powercntrl]

Times Square on New Year's Eve has always been a shitshow made for ignorant tourists.

I honestly had no idea, but yeah, after reading this, it's definitely off my bucket list. Quote from the local NY ABC news:

Officers will also install over 200 cement blocks in addition to more permanent metal bollards in and around Times Square.

More than 50 canine teams will survey the crowds on alert for explosive material.

These teams will include the newly added German Shepherds and Malinoises.

For the first time, the NYPD will deploy its new fleet of drones to keep watch over the festivities.

Those attending the festivities will face multiple screening points. Certain items are prohibited, including backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, and alcohol.

Property may not be left checkpoints. At approximately 11 a.m., attendees will be directed by police officers to gather in separate viewing pens. As the pens get populated, the entertainment from 43rd Street between Sixth and Eighth Avenues will continue to move north up to Central Park, due to the ball drop from the southern end. Please note, attendees who leave before the ball drops will not be able to regain entry to their original viewing area.

Dear God, that is some serious dystopian shit right there. You'll be sniffed by dogs, herded into holding pens, and watched by drones. You can't even celebrate the new year with a glass of champagne. Damn it New York, the movie Demolition Man wasn't supposed to be a how-to guide.