NYPD increases security for fireworks show

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - The NYPD said there are no credible threats against the city this Independence Day.

However, there will be plenty of added security around town just in case.

It's one of the biggest 4th of July celebrations in the country, and the NYPD is enhancing its layer upon layer of security so that the Macy's fireworks go off without any problems.

More than 9 hours in advance of the Macy's fireworks spectacular, NYPD officers were stationed all along the East River where the fireworks barges will be located on the FDR Drive. Thousands of people will view the amazing sights. This year’s security planning has been impacted by international terror acts, said Dr. Darrin Porcher, former NYPD lieutenant.

"Homeland security secretary John Kelly has been in constant contact with the NYPD to erect the fortifications that are necessary to protect the citizens here," said Porcher.

Major cross streets leading into the FDR Drive viewing area will be surrounded by frozen zones. The NYPD is adding cement barriers and bringing in more trucks which will be parked at key intersections. That's to prevent other vehicles from crashing into any crowds.

All spectators will be searched. Small coolers with cold water and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted, as well as baby strollers, but big backpacks, umbrellas, and folding chairs are banned. Hundreds of counterterrorism officers are being added to the thousands of other officers on duty. There will be constant monitoring not just of people, but also vehicles just outside the frozen zone, said Porcher.

Police said that the setup is designed to keep vehicles as far away from crowds of people as possible, and in case something does go wrong, they have roving counter-terrorism officers who can immediately respond.