2017 new yeras eve police gaffe
You're referring to the infamous New Year's Eve police gaffe that occurred in 2017!
On December 31, 2016, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) made a series of mistakes that led to a chaotic and embarrassing situation on New Year's Eve in Times Square.
Here's what happened:
- Incorrect crowd estimates: The NYPD had estimated that around 2 million people would attend the celebration, but in reality, there were closer to 1 million.
- Insufficient staffing: With fewer people than expected, the police force was not adequately prepared to handle the crowd. This led to a shortage of officers to direct traffic, manage the crowd, and respond to emergencies.
- Poor crowd control: The NYPD's strategy for crowd control was criticized for being ineffective. The police used a "funnel" approach, where they directed the crowd into a smaller area, which caused congestion and frustration.
- Long lines and delays: The combination of the above factors led to extremely long lines and delays for people trying to enter the celebration area. Some attendees waited for hours, only to be turned away due to overcrowding.
- Safety concerns: The situation raised concerns about public safety, as the crowded and chaotic conditions made it difficult for emergency responders to access the area in case of an emergency.
The incident was widely reported and sparked criticism of the NYPD's planning and execution. The department later conducted an internal review and implemented changes to improve crowd management and safety measures for future events.
It's worth noting that the NYPD has since made significant improvements to their crowd management strategies, including the use of advanced technology and more effective communication with attendees.