NYPD boosts security for Thanksgiving Day parade in Manhattan, says official

An unprecedented number of NYPD officers will help secure the upcoming Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade -- the first big public event in New York City since the Paris terror attacks -- thanks to a new force of several hundred cops dedicated to counterterrorism, a top police official said Tuesday.

The NYPD has handled parade security for decades. The event typically sees crowds of more than 3 million, with millions more watching on TV.

In the wake of the Paris attacks, the NYPD for the first time will have more than 100 new Critical Response Command officers working the parade, along with cops from the heavily armed Strategic Response Group, said department spokesman Stephen Davis.

"We just happen to have the biggest contingent of well-trained officers which we will use for the parade," said Davis, who noted that the units weren't in existence a year ago.

They will supplement counterterrorism cops and patrol officers covering the 2 1/2-mile parade route. NYPD officials said they will release details on parade security and any travel restrictions in the next few days.

Former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said Tuesday the job will include the usual elements of radiation detectors, police helicopters and undercover officers.

"I don't think it presents unique issues from other major parades," said Kelly, vice chairman for K2 Intelligence, a Manhattan-based corporate security firm. "The department has the advantage; because of its size, you can mass a great number of police officers."

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Macy's officials didn't return email messages for comment.

The parade will go on even though European officials canceled several sporting events. The terror attacks Friday killed 129 and injured hundreds. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility.

The Paris carnage triggered swift action by the NYPD, which immediately beefed up security at French diplomatic buildings, major public venues and "soft" targets. On Monday, police turned out the first contingent of CRC officers armed with Colt M4 semi-automatic rifles.

Tuesday, Police Commissioner William Bratton reiterated concerns that encryption devices are hiding conversations of terrorists traditionally monitored, sometimes with court authorized surveillance.

"One of the most fruitful avenues, which was our ability to listen in, has been closed," Bratton said.

In response to the encryption technology, counterterrorism cops are continuing through legal methods to use traditional human intelligence gathering techniques such as surveillance, Bratton said, adding that the NYPD continues to develop confidential sources, including in the city's Muslim communities.

Those techniques have drawn criticism from some Muslims who claim the methods went too far and infringed on their constitutional rights.

But Bratton stressed that cops are using legal methods.

By Anthony M. DeStefano

tony.destefano@newsday.comtonynewsday

Anthony M. DeStefano has been a reporter for Newsday since 1986 and covers law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs from its New York City offices.