Retired LAPD Lt. Jeff Wenniger explains why the NYPD is the benchmark in domestic counterterrorism, blending intelligence and enforcement seamlessly. (Fox News Digital)
The New York Police Department's counterterrorism unit leads major cities in the U.S. in combating domestic terrorism, according to an expert.
Retired LAPD Lieutenant Jeff Wenniger praises New York City's elite counterterror officers and how they have become a global model in the fight against terror.
"They are setting the bar for intelligence and counterterrorism throughout the world actually," Wenniger said, citing the department's integration of intelligence and counterterrorism under Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner since 2023.
TRUMP ADMIN FILES FIRST RACKETEERING CHARGES AGAINST MASSIVE MIGRANT TERRORIST GROUP PRESENT IN US
Deputy Commissioner, Intelligence, Counterterrorism at NYPD Rebecca Weiner attends the weekly briefing at City Hall by Mayor Eric Adams about the ongoing programs in New York City. ( Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, law enforcement in New York City intensified their efforts to combat terrorism.
The NYPD's Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau is the largest municipal operation of its kind in the U.S., according to NYPD reports.
DEMS DODGE ON CALLING TESLA ATTACKS ACTS OF 'DOMESTIC TERRORISM'
The Bureau brings together intelligence analysts, counterterrorism officers, and liaison programs that operate globally.
NYPD Counterterrorism officers monitor an incoming subway car in New York City. (Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Wenniger, with 33 years of service in the LAPD, emphasizes the importance of multi-agency cooperation and real-time intelligence sharing in counterterrorism efforts.
"It's about staying informed about global events and identifying emerging threats," he said.
Wenniger highlights the evaluation of potential threats by counterterror squads, focusing on indicators like social media, blogs, and online communication.
The FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., and FBI director, Kash Patel. (Anna Moneymaker/Kent Nishimura via Reuters and Getty Images)
The NYPD's counterterrorism unit collaborates closely with the FBI through the Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTF).
The FBI operates over 200 JTTFs nationwide, working with federal, local, and state agencies to address domestic terrorist threats.
NYPD Counterterrorism officers guard St. Patrick's Cathedral while visitors wait for mass. (Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Successful counterterrorism efforts often go unnoticed by the public, according to Wenniger, who also led the LAPD's Rampart Gang Unit.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"The victories in intelligence and counterterrorism are silent," he said. "Silence signifies success."
Fox News Digital has contacted the NYPD for comment.
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten is a U.S. Writer at Fox News Digital.
Sarah joined FOX in 2021, contributing to coverage of breaking news events in the US and globally, including the aftermath of the "Defund the police" movement, assassination attempts on President Donald Trump, and illegal immigration.
She has reported on crime, politics, business, lifestyle, and world news. Follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn.