By Robert Lukach
Immediately after 9-11-2001, the police department received additional terror threats and the department redeployed personnel and created the counter terrorism division. Members of the Emergency Service Unit were assigned as Hercules Teams (Deployment to Iconic locations as well as soft targets) and TORCH teams (transit deployment) to provide an omnipresence and deter an attack on soft targets (known for not being very secure usually by armed or unarmed security with a high number of civilians). This appeared to work as a member from Al Queda when arrested said he didn’t complete his mission of an attack on the Brooklyn Bridge because he said it was “to hot” as there were assigned police officer known as a fixer post there. The department also developed a CRV response where members from each command caravan to soft targets around the city mostly Manhattan. These actions along with “see something say something” seamed to provide a deterrent. As personnel left the department and recruiting diminished the department cut back CRV and the lack of personnel on patrol means less officers to identify possible surveillance and dry runs on locations and leave people and places vulnerable.
Most recently an active shooter on July 28th 2025 at 345 Park Av Manhattan demonstrated that an armed gunman could easily enter a soft target and cause death, injury and chaos. The very factors that drive terrorist groups.
September 2025 the NCTC (National Counterterrorism Center) issued a warning that Al-Qaeda was seeking to inspire potential attackers. Their goal was to attack soft targets in multiple locations and also deploy secondary attacks at locations such as hospitals. This would clearly disrupt response and preplanned deployment. The department must better prepare its personnel. Years have gone by since an attack and the loss of senior personnel can lead poor response and decisions. Officers on patrol must remain alert and not become complacent and rely on vigilant civilians. Drills, training and intelligence are paramount now that warnings are being issued. When responding to a report of an attack officers should be cognizant of their response and particularly their approach. As we know soft targets are easy targets so it is imperative that there is coordination with businesses to conduct threat assessments which should continually be updated to the ensure the safest location and an intelligent response. Failure to ensure proper training and response will most certainly lead to the terrorist reaching their goals, let’s not let this happen.
Safety is always paramount, remember to always check your surroundings and direct additional resources appropriately. Finally as always be safe.