NYPD Prepares New Year's Eve Security

MYFOXNY.COM - While millions watch the ball drop from Times Square, the NYPD will be watching them.

"It will be a full fledged deployment of our resources," Commissioner Ray Kelly said.

The NYPD calls it a counterterrorism overlay. It starts with a massive police presence. Officers will be scanning the crowds and amongst the crowds, looking for anything suspicious.

New Year's Eve is one of the largest and most challenging counter-terrorism events of the year.

"We assume New York is the number one target and we've assumed that since January 2002," Kelly says. "There are no guarantees. We are doing more than any other city to keep us safe from a terrorist attack, but there are no guarantees. We live in a dangerous world."

Another reminder of that came on Christmas day. The recent attempted terrorist attack of a U.S. airliner landing in Detroit has elevated concerns. But with a comprehensive security plan already in place, the NYPD has little to adjust.

"I would say that event has not caused us to change anything," Kelly said. "There are no specific threats against the city."

The NYPD will have radiation and biological detection devices deployed in Times Square, decontamination facilities set up, and sniper teams in position. Backpacks won't be allowed, garages will be searched, and surveillance operations conducted.

Plus, the mayor says, you too can help.

"If you see anything, they'll be plenty of police officers to talk to," Mayor Mike Bloomberg said. "Walk up and say, 'Hey, I may be wrong, but that guy looks nefarious.' "