Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to enhance security across New York City’s subway system in response to a recent uptick in violent incidents. This plan involves the deployment of nearly 1,000 personnel, comprising New York National Guardsmen, state police, and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) police officers, to perform bag checks and increase patrols in key transit locations.
This security boost, which includes 750 National Guardsmen and 250 law enforcement officers, aims to supplement the efforts of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in patrolling the city’s most frequented subway stations. The initiative emerges as part of a broader five-point safety enhancement strategy to address the rising tide of violence within the subway system.
Governor Hochul emphasized the unacceptable nature of recent violent attacks, stating that commuters should not have to fear for their safety while using public transit. The goal of the newly announced measures, including the checkpoints, is to mitigate the risk of individuals carrying weapons on the subway.
The timing and specific locations for the deployment of these additional forces remain to be detailed. This announcement aligns with Mayor Eric Adams’ prior commitment to augment NYPD presence and bag checks in the subway, following a significant increase in transit crime rates. NYPD statistics indicate a nearly 20% surge in subway crime in the first two months of the year compared to the same period last year, including three fatalities resulting from shootings on trains and platforms.
Highlighting the urgency of the crackdown, Governor Hochul referenced recent violent incidents, including the slashing of an MTA conductor and the assault on a postal worker at Penn Station, as catalysts for the enhanced security measures.
Moreover, Hochul plans to introduce legislation that would enable judges to prohibit individuals convicted of violent offenses within the transit system from using the subway or bus services. This proposed law seeks to amend current legislation to further deter acts of violence.
The Governor’s plan also includes the development of an early warning system for identifying repeat offenders, ensuring their criminal histories are considered in charging and bail decisions. Additionally, the MTA will install surveillance cameras targeting conductor cabins and ensure that all train cars are equipped with CCTV by year’s end.
To address mental health concerns within the subway system, Hochul announced a $20 million investment to expand the Subway Co-Response Outreach (SCOUT) teams, which operate alongside police support and focus on engaging with individuals experiencing mental health crises.
This multifaceted approach reflects Governor Hochul’s commitment to restoring safety and confidence in New York City’s subway system, leveraging both increased law enforcement presence and legislative reforms to tackle the challenge of rising subway violence.