USA-POPE/NYC SECURITY NYPD says it is prepared for Pope's visit

Record ID: 134812

  • Title: USA-POPE/NYC SECURITY NYPD says it is prepared for Pope's visit
  • Date: 14th September 2015
  • Summary: NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (SEPTEMBER 14, 2015) (REUTERS) NYPD COUNTER-TERRORISM OFFICER VARIOUS OF NYPD GUNS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT VARIOUS OF NYPD EMERGENCY SERVICE VEHICLE NYPD OFFICER NEW YORK CITY MAYOR BILL DEBLASIO WALKING TO PODIUM AND NYPD POLICE COMMISSIONER BILL BRATTON WALKING TO MICROPHONE (SOUNDBITE) (English) NYPD POLICE COMMISSIONER BILL BRATTON, SAYING
  • Embargoed: 29th September 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVAOEV7ZKX3TDO10KNMMFP4M80T
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: New York City officials said on Monday (September 14) they is ready to protect Pope Francis when he arrives in the city during the United Nations General Assembly.
    Pope Francis is due to address the United Nations during his first visit to the United States, which begins on Sept. 22 and ends Sept. 27. His visit during the General Assembly creates unprecedented security challenges for the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
    During the U.N. General Assembly, 170 world leaders will flow in and out of the U.N. headquarters.
    "That's 90 percent of the world leaders in this city at one time," NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton said, and added: "We are very confident that, working with our federal colleagues and under their overall direction, that we will have a safe event for all those who are coming for the event, as well as the residents of New York and those who come to work here every day."
    Bratton and the NYPD showed off some of its tactical and emergency equipment on Monday and said it is ready for any emergency situation.
    Another security challenge for the NYPD is Pope Francis's tendency to walk freely and personally greet members of his audience.
    "For those of us wearing the security hats, it's always a concern. If we could we'd keep him inside a bubble, but this Pope has made it quite clear as he's traveled around the world that that's not what he does. Again, we will attempt to, as much as possible, try to find common ground on this issue. And I'm very comfortable that we'll be able to meet his needs as well as our needs. And at the end of the event, we'll all look back and feel it went off very, very well," said Bratton.
    Earlier in the day, the NYPD along with members from nearly 50 law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service and FBI, held emergency practice drills at the NYPD's headquarters.
    Law enforcement practiced their responses to emergency situations such as a bomb, an active shooter and a power outage. This, as large television monitors offered live surveillance of street and air traffic.
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