4th of July: NYPD’s new boats armed with bomb-sniffing noses, speed at 60 mph

Ahead of the United States’ 4th of July celebration, New York Police Department (NYPD) is turning to new technology to provide heightened security.

NYPD’s Counterterrorism Maritime Unit is using special boats that are equipped with radiation detectors to sniff out a bomb to ensure safety of people during the Independence Day celebrations.

The advanced boat will provide safety as Macy’s fireworks will launch from the Hudson River for the first time in 10 years on Thursday, July 4.

With a speed of more than 60 mph, the Counterterrorism boats have the capacity to spot explosives secreted on a pier or the bow of a ship.

Equipped with advanced sensors

The advanced boat is capable of receiving an alert two times faster than any other boat .

Lieutenant Patrick Golden with NYPD’s Counterterrorism Maritime Unit showed to ABC7NY that how high-tech radiation detector can sniff out a dirty bomb while different sensors track traces of explosives.

The department is also urging people to leave the fireworks to the professionals. “If you’re planning a July 4th celebration , don’t forget to leave the fireworks to the professionals. Fireworks are not only dangerous, but they are also illegal in NYC,” said NYPD in a post on X.

No specific credible threat

The NYPD said there is no specific credible threat to the July 4th celebrations– adding that pivoting the big fireworks show to the Hudson River is slightly easier than policing the East River. Police warn getting around will be difficult and have advised citizens to take the subway.

“I think the threat environment right now globally is about as complex as I can remember it being, certainly in the last two decades and that’s not our assessment that’s the assessment of all our partners,” NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner told ABC7NY .

“So all of these scenarios, which might have seemed fanciful, we have to absolutely be prepared for.”

However, ahead of the July 4th holiday, the Department of Homeland Security and FBI have issued an alert about possible attackers who may target Independence Day celebrations.

Both agencies want to remind everyone that the biggest threats are lone offenders and small groups, who may have a larger agenda.

The National Police Association Spokesperson Betsy Brantner Smith said the intent behind this alert is to sound the alarm before festivities get underway, reported NBC24 .

FBI also suggested that the threat of attack drones may persist during the celebrations. The federal agency stressed that there are fears that unmanned aircraft may be used to drop explosives on crowds during the celebrations.

To spot such unauthorized devices, drone detectors have been deployed at various places.

The NYPD will also use drones to keep an eye on the waterfront areas.

“While people are watching the show, NYPD officers are watching for an anomaly. They’re not watching the show they’re going to be watching you to make sure that you are safe. That New Yorkers are safe,” NYPD Department Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry told ABC7NY .