New York City plans to send out “thousands” of police officers to patrol Times Square as the bustling tourist spot prepares for the New Year’s Eve ball drop, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters Tuesday at a security briefing.
“We never tell you the exact numbers, but rest assured, the entirety of the New York City Police Department is going to be working between Dec. 31 and Jan. 1,” Tisch said.
Tisch said the city did not have “any specific credible threats against” the festivities in Times Square.
Eric Adams, New York’s outgoing mayor, said the sweeping deployment will include personnel from the city’s intelligence and counterterrorism units as well as officers in plainclothes, on horseback, on trains, in helicopters and on boats.
Chicago, Philadelphia and Boston are likewise ramping up precautions in the final hours of 2025.
Chicago’s emergency management office is publicly encouraging residents to be “vigilant in crowds” and report suspicious activity by calling 911. The city is expecting a crush of spectators for a riverfront fireworks show at Navy Pier.
In response to a request for comment on the national security posture, the FBI said it “continuously collects intelligence about potential threats, and we regularly share information with law enforcement partners to assist in protecting the communities we all serve.”
“The FBI encourages members of the public to be vigilant and report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement,” the bureau added.
The New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square — also known as the “Crossroads of the World” — is one of the most recognizable parties. The annual end of the year celebration wouldn’t be complete without the confetti drop at midnight. Treb Heining is behind the spectacle and for more than 30 years has led volunteers through a once-in-a-lifetime experience.