The NYPD has begun warning its officers of the “credible threat” of an individual planning to assassinate officers in the Bronx.
The warning, shared by NYPD’s Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), calls on NYPD MOS (members of service) in the area of the 41st Precinct to “be vigilant and alert.” No specific group or individuals have been identified behind this latest threat, though NYPD sources confirmed the warning to CBS2.
WARNING – MUST READ
NYPD COPS ASSASSINATION THREAT- the attached notice has been distributed throughout NYPD Commands. REMAIN ALERT – respond with back up on all 9/11 calls. pic.twitter.com/1EyaXMB0Ep— SBA (@SBANYPD) February 13, 2020
The notice calls on desk officers to notify all other officers in their command of the possible threat.
The notice further advised its officers to have security posted on all tours and to continue to repeat the warning message during roll calls until further notice. The SBA tweeted its own advice, that officers respond with back up to all emergency calls.
The security notice comes just days after two separate shooting attacks on uniformed police officers in the Bronx, which NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea described as an assassination attempt on his officer. NYPD arrested and charged Robert Williams as the suspected shooter, however, the police force has continued to express concerns about continued threats to its officers.
Hazel Jennings, the Chief of New York City’s Department of Corrections (DOC), recently warned the city’s corrections officers and their loved ones to avoid wearing identifying uniforms or police logos citing ongoing safety concerns.
“Advise loved ones and friends to refrain from wearing clothing items or carrying items brandishing the department name and logo, for their safety,” Jennings said in a letter passed throughout the DOC.
Jennings also advised safety protocols regarding the arming of corrections officers.
“Only uniformed staff that are firearms qualified shall be assigned to front entrance and other point of entry posts,” she added. “Uniformed staff assigned to such posts shall be armed and wearing their ballistic vests at all times while on duty.”
Jennings warning continued, “It is strongly emphasized that any situation, even one which may appear minor, can rapidly escalate into a major, possibly life-threatening incident.”
The latest warnings to NYPD officers appear to share a similar call for personnel to be vigilant.
