The annual US Open tennis tournament is currently taking place at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, and is expected to draw over a million spectators. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has implemented a comprehensive security plan to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the matches.
At a press conference on Friday, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the police had spent several months devising the security plan for the event, which is being executed by a specialized “US Open Security Team” involving hundreds of officers from various units.
Participating units include the bomb squad, aviation unit, mounted unit, drone operators, strategic response team, counterterrorism bureau, among others. The police will also deploy bomb-sniffing dogs, heavy weapons teams, and undercover officers. Tisch mentioned that some security measures will be visible to the public, while others will be discreet and unseen.
Tisch emphasized that there are currently no credible threats against the tournament. In addition to the NYPD, other agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Fire Department of New York (FDNY), Parks Department, and the New York State Office of Emergency Management will collaborate to ensure safety, holding daily inter-agency meetings.
Authorities advise attendees to use public transportation due to high traffic volume on match days. Extra personnel have been assigned to subway stations near the stadium, and additional K-9 units have been deployed.
Attendees are reminded to adhere to the following regulations:
– Arrive early and take public transportation.
– Pass through multiple security checkpoints before entry.
– Each person is allowed one bag, subject to inspection.
– Prohibited items include backpacks (single-drawstring bags are permitted).
– Reusable metal or plastic water bottles up to 24 ounces are allowed.
– Glass bottles, cans, and other containers are prohibited.
The US Open will continue until September 7. For detailed entry regulations and a list of prohibited items, visit the official website at: https://www.usopen.org/en_US/visit/prohibited_items.html.