Cuomo: New York performed 20 counter-terrorism exercises along rail lines

New York's counter-terrorism effort known as Operation NY-SECURE completed 20 exercises last year at rail stations statewide, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced yesterday.

The exercises involved the state's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, which partnered with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to conduct counter-terrorism and incident response practices along Amtrak routes and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) commuter-rail lines.

The operation's goal is to improve coordination and response between railroad police agencies responsible for each station, and state and local law enforcement agencies that respond to emergencies, according to a press release issued by Cuomo's office.

The exercises included heightened platform patrols, increased security presence onboard trains, explosive detection canine sweeps and counter-surveillance measures.

Operation NY SECURE exercises were part of the division's larger effort to conduct counter-terrorism exercises at 1,000 locations throughout the state last year. During each exercise, counter terrorism experts from state and local agencies go undercover as customers and assess the ability of businesses to recognize and report suspicious activity.

"These exercises play a critical role strengthening law enforcement's counter-terrorism preparedness and serve as a reminder to businesses and the general public to stay alert and report suspicious activity when they see it," said Cuomo.