Governor Kathy Hochul unveils a comprehensive plan to address subway crime in New York City, deploying additional state resources to combat the rising trend of violence on mass transit systems. The five-point plan includes the deployment of 750 National Guard members, 250 New York State and MTA police officers into the subway system, and additional teams to handle cases involving individuals exhibiting signs of mental illness. This comes in addition to the 1,000 NYPD officers ordered into the subway last month for bag checks.
The plan also calls for people deemed too dangerous by a judge to be banned from the subway. Governor Hochul is pushing for a state law that allows judges to block individuals convicted of attacking a passenger from riding the subway or buses for three years. She is urging district attorneys to coordinate efforts to keep repeat offenders out of the transit system.
The announcement follows a recent slashing incident involving Milton Hamlin, a repeat offender with a history of assault, robbery, and being a Level 3 sex offender. Hochul emphasizes the need for judges to exercise their discretion and hold repeat offenders accountable.
While transit crime was down by over 15% in February compared to the same period in 2023, there was a 45% increase in January, primarily due to grand larcenies. NYPD Transit Chief Michael Kemper highlights that arrests in the subway system are up 45% this year, with 3,000 arrests made in the first two months alone, many of them involving repeat offenders. Kemper raises concerns about the revolving door nature of the justice system, where individuals are arrested multiple times but released within days.
Mayor Eric Adams supports the increased police deployments and random bag checks as measures to confiscate weapons and contraband before they enter the subway system. He also reveals that high-tech weapons detection systems are in development to identify firearms. The mayor aims to make subway riders feel safe and acknowledges the need for additional resources to achieve this goal.
Governor Hochul emphasizes the implementation of cameras on every subway car and in every conductor booth by the end of the year as part of the effort to enhance safety. PBA President Patrick Hendry commends the actions taken by the governor but highlights the need for long-term solutions, as the NYPD is understaffed and losing officers each month.
Despite the measures taken, some subway riders express concerns about their safety. Malik Britton shares his protective tactic of positioning himself away from the tracks to avoid being pushed into an oncoming train. Abhijeet Singh emphasizes the need to remain vigilant and watchful while commuting.
The deployment of the National Guard raises mixed reactions among riders. Some feel more nervous, considering it a potential threat rather than a solution. Donna Lieberman, Executive Director of the NYCLU, views the governor’s move as an overreaction and overreach.
Experts caution that the deployment of the National Guard is not a sustainable long-term solution and may only last a few months, coinciding with the implementation of congestion pricing.
Governor Hochul’s plan aims to address subway crime and enhance safety for riders in New York City. While it receives both support and criticism, the need for long-term solutions and increased resources remains crucial in ensuring the well-being of commuters and reducing crime rates in the subway system.
