Folder 137

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document OCT-16-2001 22:12 P.05

Full Reimbursement for Protection of Government Officials and Foreign Dignitaries The City provides extraordinary security measures for the protection of dignitaries and officials year-round, in addition to providing security for special international events held in the City. In September 2000, the City hosted both the 55`h General Assembly for the United Nations and the Millennium Summit of Heads of State and Heads of Government. Thousands of heads of state and dignitaries from around the world were in New York City for these events, costing the City an estimated $26 million for added security and logistical support.

The heightened awareness in the wake of the terrorist attacks and the current military efforts overseas increase the possibility of further attacks on American soil. Therefore, the security provided at foreign missions, the United Nations, and for visiting officials will need to be greatly intensified. Although the State department reimburses the City a minimal amount for police overtime, there are numerous other costs associated with these security activities for which the City should be reimbursed. For example, the State Department does not reimburse the City for Emergency Medical Services personnel and equipment, even when they are requested by the Secret Service. Furthermore, the City bears additional costs for security measures provided by the Fire Department, the Department of Sanitation and the Department of Transportation that are not reimbursed by the Federal government. The distinctions made by the State Department when denying reimbursement do not reflect the actual cost to New York City of providing extraordinary security in connection with hosting these international events.

Under the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, the Foreign Missions Act (P.L. 97-241) and Executive Order No. 12478 of May 1984, the Secretary of State is authorized to reimburse localities for extraordinary security costs incurred for the protection of foreign missions, dignitaries and Heads of State. In the past two fiscal years Congress has appropriated approximately $8 million for this purpose nationwide each year. Of this appropriation, the City receives $4 million annually. This amount is clearly inadequate to address the special security needs that arise for protection of these individuals in New York City every year. The City strongly urges Congress to provide a full reimbursement of 526 million for the costs associated with last year's historic events and also requests an additional $50 million be appropriated annually to the City as a reimbursement for special security measures that are necessary each year.

Extension of COPS Funding Through the COPS Universal Hiring Program (UHP) the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has been able to supplement its current forces through three-year Federal grants. Since the program was established in 1994, the NYPD has been able to hire an additional 4,000 police officers. As the majority of these Federal grants have expired, the City is currently funding approximately 3,500 of the 4,000 police officer positions, while 500 remain Federally funded. These additional hires, made possible by the UHP, have significantly contributed to the City's historic reductions in crime over the past several years.

NYC-WTC 000136286