Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Police Concerns Delay Statue of Liberty Security Plan, Report Says

By Julie Shapiro | February 16, 2011 5:23pm | Updated on February 17, 2011 7:17am
Police officers have raised concerns about proposed changes to Statue of Liberty security procedures.
Police officers have raised concerns about proposed changes to Statue of Liberty security procedures.
View Full Caption
AP Photo/Richard Drew

By Julie Shapiro

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

FINANCIAL DISTRICT — Proposed security changes for the Statue of Liberty have sparked concern among federal and city police, who are worried the national landmark could become unsafe, the New York Times reported.

In January, the National Park Service proposed moving the security screening from Battery Park to Ellis Island, which would save time and remove the unsightly security tents from Battery Park. The plan, first reported by DNAinfo, was popular with the downtown community.

But some park police officers worried it could be dangerous to let people board the Liberty Island-bound ferries without going through the airport-style security screening, the Times reported.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar was hoping to unveil the new security procedures during a visit to New York on Thursday, but he delayed the announcement because of the concerns, the Times reported.

An NYPD spokesman told the Times that the NYPD "would want an opportunity to examine the ramifications before there is any change in the existing protocol."

Spokespersons for Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, the Interior Department and the National Park Service did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday.