Security is reportedly becoming one of the biggest expenses tied to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding. Beyond the lavish venue and décor, a new report claims policing alone could cost more than $160,000. The NYPD, per the source, is preparing to deploy dozens of detectives and officers across two Madison Square Garden events to help manage the expected crowds.
Taylor Swift’s wedding will see police assigned to two events at MSG, claims report
According to TMZ, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s rumored Madison Square Garden celebrations are expected to require one of the largest police deployments for a celebrity event in recent memory. Citing high-ranking NYPD sources, the outlet claimed officers will be assigned to both a rehearsal on Thursday and the wedding on Friday.
The report alleges that more than 70 detectives from precincts across New York City are expected to work the two events. Those detectives are allegedly scheduled for 8.5-hour shifts, earning between $80 and $90 per hour. Based on those figures, the estimated cost is said to exceed $95,000.
In addition, TMZ claimed another 50-plus police officers are expected to be stationed around Madison Square Garden. Most of them are reportedly newer officers working nine-hour shifts at about $70 per hour. That deployment alone is estimated to cost another $63,000.
The report further alleged that senior NYPD officials will also be involved in the operation. As a result, the publication believes the overall policing bill will climb beyond $160,000. However, they noted that the staffing plan reportedly remains subject to change.
Another question hanging over the operation is who will ultimately pay for it. TMZ pointed out that it remains unclear whether the cost would fall on taxpayers or be covered privately as part of the event’s security arrangements. No official response has been issued on that matter.
Earlier reports claimed officers assigned to the area had already been warned about a possible influx of Swifties if the celebrations take place there. Madison Square Garden sits above Penn Station, one of the busiest transit hubs in the country. Consequently, even a modest increase in visitors can create crowd-control challenges. A celebrity event of this scale could place even greater demands on law enforcement.
