NYPD drill on top of Brooklyn Bridge sparks concern

Members of the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit scaled the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday

October 17, 2016 By Scott Enman Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit conducted a drill on top of the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Joe Garrad @joegarrad

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Pedestrians and drivers traversing the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday afternoon were in for an unusual sight when they noticed a large group of people scaling the Brooklyn Bridge and congregating on the overpass’ west (Manhattan side) tower around 4 p.m.

The individuals on top of the bridge were, according to Police Officer Sochia Mason, part of the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit.

“It’s just a routine drill,” Mason told Prospect Heights Patch. “We do it all the time.”

In addition to the NYPD personnel on top of the bridge, a police helicopter and a police boat were deployed to the scene as part of the drill.

The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information (DCPI) confirmed with the Brooklyn Eagle on Monday via email that it was indeed a drill.

DCPI wrote, “Members of the NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit conducted a training exercise on the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016.”

During the drill, there were no road closures, but drivers and pedestrians did slow down to watch the scene unfold.

Several people took to Twitter to post photos, videos and to voice their concerns over the incident.

One person with the username joegarrard wrote, “Yo. Looks like people got on top of the Brooklyn Bridge right now. Cops are on the scene including NYPD news helicopter”.

Another individual with the username moriangel wrote, “What’s going on? People on top of the Brooklyn Bridge.”