FLUSHING MEADOWS, Queens — As players and coaches prepare for the U.S. Open, the New York Police Department is rolling out an extensive security operation for the tournament, including new authority to counter unauthorized drones.<\/p>\n
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the department will deploy a range of specialized units throughout the event.<\/p>\n
“Working alongside the dedicated U.S. Open detail for the duration of this event will be our bomb squad, our aviation and mounted units, and our emergency service unit, as well as our intel and counterterrorism personnel to include explosive detection canines, heavy weapons teams, plainclothes personnel and more,” Tisch said.<\/p>\n
The tournament will also mark the first time the NYPD can use its own tools and tactics to protect the event from drones under a new agreement with the Department of Homeland Security.<\/p>\n
The NYPD will use a mobile control center to track drones and use sophisticated technology to intercept them.<\/p>\n
Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner of the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau said drone mitigation will be part of the department’s broader security strategy.<\/p>\n
“Mitigation is one of several tools that we use to protect against unauthorized drones. There will be a federal temporary flight restriction as well over this facility that allows us to take these countermeasures,” Weiner said.<\/p>\n
Officials said drones are an increasing concern at major sporting events. Several drones were intercepted during World Cup matches earlier this year.<\/p>\n
Tisch said the U.S. Open will be the first major event where the NYPD exercises its new authority.<\/p>\n
“This will be the first major event where the NYPD uses this new authority, and it will be the first event in the country where state or local law enforcement conducts in-depth drone mitigation operations,” Tisch said.<\/p>\n
The enhanced security measures will be in place throughout the U.S. Open as law enforcement works to protect players, staff and spectators attending the tournament.<\/p>\n
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