New York State ramps up counterterrorism preparedness efforts

New York State conducted counterterrorism exercises at 1,000 locations throughout the state in 2018.

The exercises were run by the state’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Counter Terrorism where experts from state and local agencies went undercover as customers to assess the ability of businesses to recognize and report suspicious activity. There was a 56 percent in these operations since 2016. Additionally, the division partnered with federal, state, and local law enforcement for “Operation NY-SECURE,” an initiative that saw 20 counterterrorism and incident response exercises at rail stations throughout the state.

“New York State will never be intimidated by the threat of terrorism, but we will always be prepared when it rears its cowardly head,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “These exercises play a critical role in strengthening law enforcement’s counterterrorism preparedness and serve as a reminder to businesses and the general public to stay alert and report suspicious activity when they see it.”

The exercises – which were conducted in every county — were held at a wide range of businesses that offer products or services that could be used in a myriad of potential terrorist plots. Specifically, they were done at 172 truck rental locations, 134 hardware stores, 111 hotels, 75 drone retailers, 69 gun and sporting goods stores, as well as large retailers and businesses that sell chemicals or components used in the construction of explosive devices. Further, exercises were conducted at several mass-gathering locations including stadiums, transit hubs, malls, colleges, and hospitals.

The idea is to heighten awareness among businesses and individuals to identify and report suspicious activity that leads to arrests. Citing the success of the program, Cuomo called for an expansion of the initiative in his 2019 State of the State address.

“Reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement is one of the most important ways the citizens of New York can contribute to public safety,” Acting Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Patrick Murphy said. “This education program underscores the fact that all New Yorkers have a role in preventing terrorism, and that businesses and their employees play a vital part in reporting suspicious activity.”