The NYPD mandates officers to report in uniform from Friday onward due to potential disruptions following a global call for Palestinian support by a former Hamas leader.
The move aims to ensure readiness and preparedness in the face of potential demonstrations and civil unrest.
NYPD Mobilization Directive
A memo circulated on Wednesday night specified that all uniformed members of the NYPD, irrespective of their rank, are required to be on duty in the uniform of the day and remain prepared for deployment.
The directive includes the stipulation that officers will not be granted excusals or shift changes, and this order will persist until further notice.
The directive comes in response to a call by Khaled Meshaal, the former chief of Hamas, urging the Islamic world to stage protests on Friday. In light of this, the NYPD is enhancing security across its 77 police precincts, with additional officers assigned to monitor entryways and parking areas at these locations, according to the internal memo.
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Urgent Security Measures
The NYPD has activated its Joint Operations Center (JOC) at its Manhattan headquarters in order to strengthen security measures further in preparation for any disruptions.
Various agencies, including the Sanitation Department, the Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority, and the FDNY, have been instructed to promptly inform the JOC of any incidents related to the event from Thursday through Sunday.
This directive coincides with ongoing tensions in the Middle East, as Israeli forces respond to the recent violent incursion by Hamas into the Gaza Strip.
The conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 1,200 casualties in Israel and another 1,100 in Gaza, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for heightened security measures to maintain public safety.
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