Hundreds of National Guard troops will be deployed in the New York City subways following a series of violent incidents, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to introduce a new five-point safety plan. The troops will primarily focus on conducting bag checks to ensure no weapons, explosives, knives, or guns are brought into the subway system. While their presence is intended to act as a deterrent, they will not have the authority to make arrests.
In addition to the National Guard deployment, around 250 state police officers from the state police and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will also be involved in the safety measures. These law enforcement personnel will mainly be stationed at major transit hubs across New York City, including Manhattan, to maximize visibility and ensure the safety of commuters.
Despite a reported decrease in overall subway crime by about 14-15 percent this year, there have been increases in felony assaults and larceny. High-profile incidents such as assaults on conductors and passengers have raised concerns among New Yorkers about safety in the subways. Many residents attribute their unease not to witnessing crimes but to the presence of disorderly individuals, including those with mental illness and homelessness, as well as violations of rules such as smoking marijuana on train cars.
The perceived lack of consequences for minor offenses due to changes in New York State laws and district attorney policies has contributed to a sense of disorder in the subways. While the new security measures aim to address safety concerns, the underlying issues of disorder and public behavior remain key challenges for ensuring a secure and comfortable commuting environment for all New Yorkers.
