Is the deployment of soldiers in New York’s subway as crazy as it sounds? New Yorkers have witnessed a variety of scenes in the subway, from rats carrying pizza to individuals in mental health crises. However, the recent appearance of armed soldiers near subway turnstiles has caused concern.
Last week, New York’s Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul, sent 750 National Guard members and 250 state police to help the New York City Police (NYPD) in conducting bag searches at some subway stations. This is part of a plan to enhance subway safety, which also includes adding more cameras and implementing a pilot program to assist those severely affected by mental illness.
While violent crime in the city has decreased this year, subway crime has increased by 47% in January compared to the previous year, mainly due to more thefts. Most of the 4 million daily riders experience no issues, but the number of individuals in crisis and high-profile attacks has raised concerns. The recent incidents include a conductor’s neck being slashed, a woman losing her feet after being pushed onto the tracks, and a teenager fatally shooting a man in a Bronx station. Mayor Eric Adams has deployed 1,000 police officers to the subway, which has been costly but somewhat successful.
2024-03-14 10:12:26
Source from www.economist.com
