NEW YORK (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of revelers from around the globe are expected to cram into New York City's Times Square to see the ball drop and ring in 2013.

The giant ball is covered with 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles and illuminated by more than 32,000 LEDs in red, blue, green and white.

Security will be tight.

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly says Times Square will be the "safest place in the world on New Year's Eve."

Along with an army of uniformed officers, police will use barriers to prevent overcrowding and for checkpoints to inspect vehicles, enforce a ban on alcohol and check handbags.

Plainclothes officers are assigned to blend into the crowd.

Kelly stressed there are no specific terror threats related to the celebration.