The counterterrorism unit of the New York Police Department is considered the leading model for major cities across the U.S. in addressing domestic terrorism, according to an expert.
Retired LAPD Lieutenant Jeff Wenniger shared insights on how New York City’s specialized counterterrorism team has positioned the city as a global leader in the battle against terrorism.
“They are setting a standard for intelligence and counterterrorism worldwide,” Wenniger remarked, highlighting the department’s approach to integrating intelligence and counterterrorism under Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner since 2023.
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FILES INITIAL RACKETEERING CHARGES AGAINST LARGE MIGRANT TERRORIST ORGANIZATION IN THE U.S.
Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism at the NYPD, Rebecca Weiner, is present at a weekly briefing with Mayor Eric Adams about ongoing initiatives in New York City. (Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, law enforcement in New York City significantly enhanced their counterterrorism strategies.
The NYPD states that its Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau is the largest municipal counterterror operation in the United States.
DEMOCRATS AVOID CLASSIFYING TESLA ATTACKS AS “DOMESTIC TERRORISM”
The Bureau integrates the work of intelligence analysts, counterterrorism officers, and international liaison initiatives.
Counterterrorism officers from the NYPD are stationed outside a New York City subway car. (Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Wenniger, who dedicated 33 years to the LAPD and worked closely with their counterterrorism efforts, stressed the necessity of collaboration among agencies and sharing real-time intelligence.
“It’s all about maintaining awareness of global events and spotting emergent trends,” he explained.
Counterterrorism teams assess potential risks by examining critical indicators, including social media activity, blogs, and online communications.
The FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., alongside FBI director, Kash Patel. (Anna Moneymaker/Kent Nishimura via Reuters and Getty Images)
The counterterrorism unit collaborates closely with the FBI via the Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTF).
The FBI has over 200 JTTFs spread throughout the United States, including at least one in each of its 56 field offices. Many major cities maintain their own counterterrorism units that coordinate with federal, local, and state agencies to tackle domestic terrorist threats.
NYPD counterterrorism officers outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as visitors line up for mass. (Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Wenniger, who also led the LAPD’s Rampart Gang Unit, mentioned that many successful counterterrorism efforts remain unnoticed by the general public.
“The achievements of intelligence work and counterterrorism often go unrecognized,” he said. “When there is no news, that’s success.”
Fox News Digital has contacted the NYPD for further comments.
