The Brunch Table

7/31/2004

NYPD Flash Mobs

Filed under: — Joe @ 10:55 am

According to this article, the NYPD has recently been conducting odd flash mob style military parades that they’re calling “critical force surges”. Check out the similarities to the typical flash mob setup:

The dates, times and locations of these deployments are kept secret until the moment a mobilization is called over division radio frequencies. … Once all units have responded they are given specific instructions to create a presence on the street.
While these exercises do test the response speed of NYPD forces, there’s more to it than that, as described by a supposed NYPD bulletin:
The purpose is to basically intimidate those individuals who would even contemplate any kind of criminal activity and to send a message to potential terrorists that the NYPD can rapidly respond to virtually any situation.

  • Anonymous

    I have seen the physical memorandum and will vouch for its veracity.

  • http://marmal8.livejournal.com Katherine

    I haven’t seen this happen yet, but I have noticed an increased presence in certain areas, like Penn Station. Should get interesting when the Republicans come to town.

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