Authorities in New York City estimate some one million people will pack into Times Square to watch the famous New Year’s Eve ball drop. In order to keep the public safe, the New York Police Department will have heavy weapons units and pickpocket teams patrolling on the ground as well as drones and helicopters in the skies.

Zohran Mamdani is taking charge of New York City just as the largest police department in the country is finding its stride in its stability, touting a drop in gun violence and homicides while its current leadership stays intact.

Back from the Brink is a historical reconstruction of the New York crime decline, told from inside the institutions responsible for safety.

The department swore in 1,143 new recruits Wednesday, bringing the total NYPD headcount to more than 34,700 officers. That figure represents the highest staffing level since May 2022 and moves the department closer to its goal of reaching 35,000 officers by next fall.

FBI New York, HSI New York, IRS-CI New York, and the New York City Police Department joined federal partners on Dec. 10 to announce the establishment of the Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) New York.

In a private ceremony at the abandoned Old City Hall subway station​, Mamdani was sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James as the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve.

Spring Hill Ambulance Corps, Chaverim of Rockland and other agencies respond to Reeve's Meadow in Harriman State Park.

New York City officials say they are ready security wise for the New Year's Eve festivities calling it "the biggest event of the year." (AP video: Ted Shaffrey)