Big Security Presence Expected for NYC Marathon, Commissioner Vows Safety of Runners and Spectators
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has confirmed it will employ a multi-layered security strategy, utilizing both visible and discreet measures, to ensure the safety of 50,000 runners and approximately one million spectators attending this year's marathon.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, there are currently no credible threats targeting the event, but her department is taking a proactive approach. "New Yorkers will see an increased police presence with thousands of NYPD officers posted along the entire route, from Staten Island to the Bronx to Central Park," she stated during a safety briefing.
To reinforce this presence, specialized units such as emergency service, mounted unit, canine, harbor, aviation, and bomb squad will also be deployed. Additionally, police helicopters and drones will be on standby to monitor the crowds, while strategically positioned blocker cars and metal barriers will protect runners and spectators from any potential hazards.
Intelligence teams will also be keeping a close eye on social media in real-time to identify and address any potential security risks. Commissioner Tisch emphasized that the NYPD is committed to keeping runners and spectators safe, but asked everyone to remain vigilant, saying "if you see something, say something, let a police officer know or call 9-1-1."
Security measures near the finish line in Central Park are particularly stringent, with bag inspections expected for spectators. Prohibited items include no weapons, coolers, oversized bags, chairs, and umbrellas. Spectators will also be barred from using their own drones.
To prepare for the event, residents can expect early street closures starting on Sunday morning, as well as traffic advisories throughout the day. The NYPD has warned drivers to respect "no parking" signs along the route, and expects rolling closures and heavy delays near the course.
Bridge closures will also be implemented at specific times: the upper level of the Verrazzano-Narrows bridge closes on Saturday at 11 p.m., while lower levels close on Sunday at 7 a.m. The Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, Pulaski Bridge, and Willis and Madison Avenue Bridges will all experience closure starting at 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. respectively.
Once the last runners have cleared each segment, the bridges are expected to reopen.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has confirmed it will employ a multi-layered security strategy, utilizing both visible and discreet measures, to ensure the safety of 50,000 runners and approximately one million spectators attending this year's marathon.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, there are currently no credible threats targeting the event, but her department is taking a proactive approach. "New Yorkers will see an increased police presence with thousands of NYPD officers posted along the entire route, from Staten Island to the Bronx to Central Park," she stated during a safety briefing.
To reinforce this presence, specialized units such as emergency service, mounted unit, canine, harbor, aviation, and bomb squad will also be deployed. Additionally, police helicopters and drones will be on standby to monitor the crowds, while strategically positioned blocker cars and metal barriers will protect runners and spectators from any potential hazards.
Intelligence teams will also be keeping a close eye on social media in real-time to identify and address any potential security risks. Commissioner Tisch emphasized that the NYPD is committed to keeping runners and spectators safe, but asked everyone to remain vigilant, saying "if you see something, say something, let a police officer know or call 9-1-1."
Security measures near the finish line in Central Park are particularly stringent, with bag inspections expected for spectators. Prohibited items include no weapons, coolers, oversized bags, chairs, and umbrellas. Spectators will also be barred from using their own drones.
To prepare for the event, residents can expect early street closures starting on Sunday morning, as well as traffic advisories throughout the day. The NYPD has warned drivers to respect "no parking" signs along the route, and expects rolling closures and heavy delays near the course.
Bridge closures will also be implemented at specific times: the upper level of the Verrazzano-Narrows bridge closes on Saturday at 11 p.m., while lower levels close on Sunday at 7 a.m. The Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, Pulaski Bridge, and Willis and Madison Avenue Bridges will all experience closure starting at 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. respectively.
Once the last runners have cleared each segment, the bridges are expected to reopen.
so they're gonna have like super strict security measures for the NYC marathon this year? that's good I guess, I mean it's always better to be safe than sorry... but at the same time, doesn't it feel a bit overkill? 
is it just me or are we living in a world where everything's gotta be secured all the time? 
what's the deal with the bag inspections near the finish line tho? can't they just trust people to behave themselves? 
and omg, no drones allowed?! how's that gonna affect people who wanna take sick pics of the runners in action? 
And with all those security measures in place, I'm sure it'll be super safe for everyone involved.
And what about all the traffic advisories and bridge closures? That's gonna be frustrating for drivers who live nearby. Are they gonna get reimbursed or something? 
... I mean, I get it, safety first, but isn't that a bit over the top? Can't people just use their common sense and look out for each other instead of calling 9-1-1 for every little thing?! 
I'm just worried about how much of an impact these security measures are gonna have on our daily commute around the city... I mean, I get it, safety first and all that 
. But what's gonna happen to the small businesses near the marathon route? Some people might not even make it in time for their morning shift 
. And those early street closures and traffic advisories are already stressing me out just thinking about 'em 
. I guess it's a trade-off, but can't we just have a little more flexibility and spontaneity around events like this? 
Can't people just leave their coolers and umbrellas at home? 
And what's up with the drone ban for spectators? That's just gonna cause some trouble. Plus, all these bridge closures are gonna mess up traffic like crazy... I guess it's better to be safe than sorry tho 
and btw, what's with the drone ban near the finish line tho? can't we just have a selfie zone or something? 
anyway, i guess it's cool that they're taking security seriously... but can someone pls tell me how to get to central park if i'm not even running? 
. It's like they're tryin' to create a dystopian surveillance state one marathon at a time...
️ I'm thinking about how NYC's marathon is always such an amazing event... but yeah, you gotta expect some serious security measures in place this year 
. I mean, it's not surprising with all the big events happening around the world, and New York City being one of the most iconic destinations for runners and spectators alike 
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. They've got multiple layers of protection in place, from visible police presence to more discreet measures like drones and social media monitoring 
Shouldn't we know who's flying those drones anyway?
I'm so done with all these security measures... like, what's next? 
they're literally deploying all sorts of units & tech 2 prevent any potential threats. and honestly, wouldn't u wanna see a police helicopter or drone flying overhead 
? also, can we talk about how much i love the 'if u see something, say something' vibe 
it's like, super responsible & all that 
seen it all before, but still gotta admit NYPD is being super thorough this year 
. spectators should def take note of bag inspections near the finish line tho 
anyway i hope every1 has a great time at the marathon n i'm sure its gonna b lit 
. Thousands of cops will be patrolling the route, and I mean THOUSANDS 
. And don't even get me started on social media being monitored - can't we just chill and enjoy the event without being under constant surveillance? 
50k runners and 1m spectators is still a pretty manageable crowd for NYC police. I mean, we've had major concerts and events with way more people and zero issues 
Still, you can't be too careful, right? 
you know what's crazy? how much security is involved?! like they're taking it super seriously, and rightfully so - safety first! 
and btw, why do they need drone blockers near the finish line tho? like, isn't it just one person trying to take a selfie with a random runner or something? 
Still, I get that safety is top priority, especially with all the crazy stuff going on online these days 
.
Still, I guess that's just part of the price we pay for having all those extra security measures in place.