New York deploys first officers of critical response command

New York city has employed the first 100 officers of the Critical Response Command, which is the new elite squad of the police department's Counter Terrorism Bureau, said Mayor Bill de Blasio Monday.

"We are taking our anti-terrorism efforts to the next level," said de Blasio, adding that when fully staffed, the command will have over 500 officers, including over 450 anti-terrorism officers and their superiors.

According to New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, the officers will be equipped with smartphone devices and be kept updated on changing patterns, trends, and threat analysis.

They will also receive training on long guns and heavy vest equipment.

"Now with this crucial additional capacity, we are the best equipped city in America to deal with any terrorist threat. We know there is no city that is better prepared to defend against terrorism or to respond to any attacks, should we encounter one," said the mayor.

In addition to these 500-odd officers, New York also has 600 officers in the Emergency Service Unit.@ The metropolis is also in the process of training the whole patrol force to deal with active shooters. Endi