In response to a recent spike in crime in the New York City subway system, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday that she would be deploying National Guard soldiers and State Police officers to patrol platforms and conduct bag checks to help ensure the safety of commuters and visitors. This comes after Mayor Eric Adams had already ordered an additional 1,000 officers in February following an increase in major crimes in January, with grand larcenies being a major driver of the spike.
Governor Hochul’s deployment of 1,000 law enforcement personnel is part of a five-point plan that also includes funding for mental health workers and legislative changes to ban violent offenders from riding the subways. Despite the overall crime rate in the transit system falling and ridership increasing, there have been concerns raised about safety due to recent violent incidents, including homicides and assaults.
While Mayor Adams has expressed a desire for a strong police presence in the subways to make riders feel safer, transit experts have cautioned that the increased vigilance may inadvertently fuel fear among riders. Some have called for addressing the root causes of crime, such as providing more social services for those in need.
As the city continues to recover from the pandemic, the deployment of additional law enforcement in the subway system reflects ongoing efforts to address safety concerns and ensure the well-being of those using public transportation in New York City.
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