Posted on 03/18/2003 9:50:59 PM PST by Salvation
As War Looms, New York City Braces for Terror
By Jeff McKay
CNSNews.com Correspondent
March 18, 2003
New York City (CNSNews.com) - Immediately after President Bush's address on Monday preparing the nation for war, the security landscape was immediately beefed up in the New York area, considered a primary target for terrorists. A plan dubbed "Operation Atlas" will be the most visible set of security precautions covering New York City since the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.
A myriad of security measures will be enacted the minute the first shots are fired in Iraq. These will include bomb-sniffing dogs in New York City's labyrinth subway system, vehicle inspections at all bridges and tunnels entering Manhattan and increased security at historic sites and business centers such as Wall Street.
Some measures are already visible to New Yorkers on the street, and on the waters surrounding Manhattan.
At Grand Central Terminal, a major transportation hub, New York City police are standing shoulder to shoulder with military-clad National Guard troops. There is added police presence at houses of worship, including mosques for fear of retribution. Police can also be found in front of media offices.
"Prudence dictates if we have a war that there should be heightened concern," said New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. "The New York City Police Department will make sure their presence is more visible."
On the Hudson River, Coast Guard ships along with NYPD patrol boats shadow all ships in New York waters, from cargo ships to the Staten Island Ferry, a sight not seen since 9/11.
This will mean some logistical changes for the 36,000-member New York City Police force.
"That means that people who do a variety of assignments, such as investigative work, may be called on to work in uniform for a different commander," said New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.
The NYPD has already deployed its heavily armed "Hercules" units at sensitive areas around the city considered potential terror targets such as Times Square to disrupt terrorist reconnaissance. Tactical units related to this elite team have been trained to detect and contain radiation and other hazards.
It is expected to cost New York City an additional $5 million per day for increased security. New York Democratic Senator Charles Schumer is expected to ask the federal government to pick up a large portion of the security tab.
Patrols will be beefed up even further once the war begins.
In addition to the security enhancements below ground, on city streets, and in the waters, airspace restrictions and military jet flyovers were to begin as early as Tuesday afternoon.
All vehicles entering New York area airports were going to be subjected to a search and prohibited from parking within 300 feet of terminals.
New York State has also increased its security. Republican Governor George Pataki has ordered National Guard troops to patrol the New York border with Canada.
In New Jersey, Democratic Governor Jim McGreevey activated the state's emergency operations center. There will be an added police presence at highly visible spots throughout the state, including shopping malls, houses of worship, shipping terminals and transportation hubs.
As the military prepares overseas and security measures are heightened in the homeland, police still have their hands full with antiwar protests. On Tuesday morning, 45 anti-war demonstrators were arrested when they marched on the United Nations. All were charged with disorderly conduct.
An anti-war rally that organizers promise will produce a "massive turnout" is scheduled for Saturday in Manhattan. United for Peace and Justice is sponsoring the rally. A similar demonstration organized by the group in February drew more than 100,000 for a march on the United Nations.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.