NEW YORK-Police and the World Trade Center site's owner sketched out a security agreement Thursday that settles a turf war over who will protect the area against terrorism as the site is redeveloped.
The New York Police Department and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey agreed to devise a strategy to police streets, private office towers and public facilities, including a memorial to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
Police and Port Authority officials were still working out the details.
"The next step will be to work closely with NYPD to develop a comprehensive security plan for the site," said Chris Ward, executive director of the Port Authority, which owns the site.
Under the agreement, a special NYPD unit of 600 officers will patrol the site, manage security operations and oversee screening and vehicle access. The Port Authority will have primary responsibility for security at the PATH train station and will oversee the installation and maintenance of all security equipment at the World Trade Center.
City officials said the agreement would accelerate the rebuilding effort. Plans for five office towers, the memorial, a transit hub and a performing arts center were announced five years ago, but all of the projects are behind schedule.
