Gov. Cuomo Announces 'Enhanced Security Measures' After Paris Attacks

The monitoring of public gatherings has been increased, state police and the National Guard also are increasing surveillance and riders on the Long Island Rail Road and other public transportation can expect bag checks and other security measures, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Saturday.

The enhanced security measures follow the deadly terrorist attacks on Paris Friday, where at least 128 people were killed.

New York, especially the Greater New York City area, became one of the world’s more heavily monitored regions following 9/11, so law enforcement is well-versed in dealing with heightened security. Therefore residents and travelers through the region can expect to see a “noticeable sign of increased security” for an undisclosed amount of time.

“The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has increased its patrols and surveillance in order to provide heightened protection across all its agencies,” said Cuomo in a statement. “The MTA Police Department has stepped up its uniformed and plainclothes presence in Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal as well as other major stations throughout the Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road network. Police canine teams and units with heavy weapons will provide extra protection as well as a noticeable sign of increased security. Railroad customers will also see surge patrols, increased step-on/step-off patrols of trains, and random bag checks at various locations.”

On Long Island, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said Nassau Police “are intensifying patrols in all areas and will increase patrols at significant public events.”

The public is reminded that if you see something, say something. Tips can be called into 1-800-244-TIPS. Any police emergencies should be called into 911.

Below is more detail from Cuomo’s announcement:

Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services

DHSES has been in contact with key local public safety officials following the attacks in Paris. The DHSES Watch Center, as a precaution, has increased monitoring of various large public gatherings, including various sporting venues throughout the State. DHSES remains in a state of readiness and prepared to disseminate information to our public safety partners statewide as necessary.

State Police & National Guard

The New York State Police and the National Guard have also been in contact with federal officials as well as local law enforcement partners, including the New York City Police Department, following the attacks in Paris. At the Governor’s direction, as a precaution, the State Police and National Guard have increased surveillance of critical infrastructure including transportation hubs and will be deploying additional resources to large public gatherings.

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

Port Authority Police are on heightened alert at all of the agency’s bridge, tunnel, rail, World Trade Center and other facilities, following yesterday’s tragic attacks in Paris. Actions include increased patrols and checks of bags, buses, trucks and trains at agency locations. Travelers are reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to police or other authorities.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The MTA has increased its patrols and surveillance in order to provide heightened protection across all its agencies. The MTA Police Department has stepped up its uniformed and plainclothes presence in Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal as well as other major stations throughout the Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road network. Police canine teams and units with heavy weapons will provide extra protection as well as a noticeable sign of increased security. Railroad customers will also see surge patrols, increased step-on/step-off patrols of trains, and random bag checks at various locations.

Behind the s‎cenes, the MTA Police Department, MTA New York City Transit security and MTA Bridges and Tunnels Officers share intelligence information and coordinate their threat response with other police and security agencies to ensure a seamless web of protection throughout the region.

New York State Police and the New York National Guard members have been assigned to high-profile MTA locations for more than a year, and they are helping secure these locations as well as reassuring the public that the authorities are dedicated to ensuring their safety.‎ The MTA closely monitors large public events that occur in or near its facilities and will provide heightened awareness of activities there.

The MTA works closely with the NYPD to secure New York’s subways and buses, and MTA Bridges and Tunnels Officers are using a mix of visual and technological surveillance to ensure safety at its seven bridges and two tunnels in New York City.

“If You See Something, Say Something”

New Yorkers are reminded to stay alert to their surroundings, and to report any suspicious activity. Reports can be made to the Counter Terrorism Center at the New York State Intelligence Center via its terrorism tip line: 1-866-SAFENYS (1-866-723-3697); or by email: ctcenter@nysic.ny.gov.

Photo: Flickr/CreativeCommons/Joe Shlabotnik