NYPD warns it will take out of action any drones flying near US Open: ‘Zero tolerance policy’
No eyes in the sky!
Any drones caught flying in or around Flushing Meadows, Queens, during the US Open will be taken out of action immediately, the NYPD warned Monday as the tennis tournament officially kicked off.
Despite the Big Apple loosening restrictions last month for flying drones across the five boroughs, there’ll be a “zero tolerance policy” for those busted trying to hover their devices near the tennis center over the next two weeks.
“[The department will] be deploying our counter-drone capabilities,” NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner said during a briefing on the safety measures in place for this year’s tournament.
“Be mindful, the city has recently changed some of its rules surrounding drone permitting. However, the NYPD and our law enforcement partners have a zero tolerance policy for unauthorized persons found operating drones in and around this center,” Weiner told reporters.
“Anyone found in violation can risk their equipment being confiscated or being subject to summons or arrest.”
Authorities often take out drones by jamming the device’s communication signals, which can result in it crash-landing or for it to be guided elsewhere to minimize impact.
Cops said there is no “specific threat” for the 2023 US Open, but warned they’ll have an “around the clock presence” in and near the stadiums.
“We’re going to have an obvious uniformed over counterterrorism presents as well as plainclothes personnel deployed throughout the site,” Weiner said.
“Visitors are going to see explosive detection canines patrolling the perimeter including nearby plazas, pedestrian bridges, subway stations, transportation shuttle stops and in parking areas.”
Tennis fans can also expect to go through multiple security screenings when they arrive.
“Anyone seeking to enter the venue is going to go through the gates and pass through a multi-layer screening process which involves heavy weapons teams, explosive detection trace machines, and again the bomb-sniffing dogs,” Weiner said.
The US Open’s first-round action gets underway Monday and will end Sept. 10 with the men’s final.
