Subway safety Concerns Rise Amidst Escalating Violence
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Commuters Express Growing Unease
“There’s no way you can really feel safe. There’s no way,” commuter Dashauna Jackson said,reflecting the sentiments of many riders. She, like others, has observed a noticeable increase in erratic behavior, fights, and general disruption on the subways in recent years. The recent acquittal of Daniel Penny, who was accused of causing the death of Jordan Neely in a chokehold on an uptown F train last year, has further fueled the debate about subway safety.Experts Weigh in on the Safety Issue
Paul Reeping, head of research at the nonprofit Vital City, acknowledges that the increase in subway crime is not just perception.”if people are noticing that, it’s as partially it is indeed true,” he said. Reeping points to the pandemic’s impact on crime rates, noting that the rise in subway crime mirrored the broader increase in citywide crime, which has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. While homicides in transit have doubled this year, they remain statistically rare. Reeping emphasizes that two murders occurring on the same day in the subway system is highly unusual. “We think that the subways are maybe even safer than walking on the streets, just in terms of the amount of time spent and the amount of crime that happens,” he added. Despite this, Reeping acknowledges the seriousness of the situation.“I think the way that most people feel about the subway, just because it feels like an intimate space, is that it must be like a plane – there shouldn’t be any murders there,” he said. “The number should be zero.”
Subway Safety Concerns Rise After Series of violent incidents
A string of recent violent incidents on New York City’s subway system has raised concerns about rider safety, despite overall crime rates showing a slight decrease. The incidents, which include a fatal stabbing, shootings, and several assaults, have prompted calls for increased security measures and a renewed focus on addressing the root causes of violence. The most recent incident, a fatal stabbing on a southbound 7 train in Queens, occurred on Sunday at 12:30 a.m., claiming the life of a 37-year-old man. A 26-year-old man was also injured in the attack. Just hours earlier, a 76-year-old woman was punched in the head and knocked to the ground at the 51st Street subway station in Manhattan. These incidents follow a Friday morning attack on an 83-year-old man on a southbound 5 train in Manhattan,and a double shooting on Saturday afternoon at the Avenue U station in Brooklyn. While the New York Police Department (NYPD) has released surveillance footage and images of suspects in several of these cases,these incidents have sparked debate about effective strategies to address subway safety.Mixed Data on Subway Crime Trends
Even though these recent attacks have caused alarm,NYPD data indicates a slight overall decrease in transit crime compared to last year. According to the NYPD’s CompStat database, crime in the system is down by 135 incidents, or 6%, through December 15th. While grand larceny remains the most common type of crime, felony assaults, which can result in lasting injuries, are the second most prevalent category. “We need our leaders to double down on housing solutions to housing problems, on health care solutions to health care problems,” says Danny Pearlstein, Policy Director for the Riders Alliance, an organization advocating for better transit systems.MTA’s Multifaceted Approach to safety
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has implemented a three-pronged approach, dubbed “Cops, Cameras, and Care”, to enhance subway safety and address the underlying issues contributing to violence. The MTA has increased the presence of uniformed officers, completed the installation of cameras in every subway car, and established the SCOUT program, which connects outreach teams with homeless individuals and those struggling with mental health issues. “There’s still work to be done,” said John McCarthy, Chief of Policy and External Relations at the MTA. “We remain focused on driving that number down.” The MTA is examining the circumstances surrounding each homicide to identify potential preventative measures. While acknowledging the need for increased security, advocates like Pearlstein caution against relying solely on “scare tactics” that might exacerbate rider anxieties and emphasize the importance of addressing the social issues that contribute to crime.## Archyde News
**”New York City Subway Safety Under Scrutiny After Surge in Violence”**
*(this interview was edited for length and clarity.)*
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde News. We’re discussing the rising concerns about safety on New york City’s subway system. Joining us today is Paul Reeping, head of research at Vital City, a non-profit institution dedicated to understanding urban issues and shaping public policy.
Paul, thank you so much for being here.
**Paul Reeping:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** We’ve seen a disturbing increase in violent incidents recently.What’s your take on the current situation?
**Paul Reeping:** It’s definitely a worrying trend. While homicides in transit are statistically rare, the fact that we’ve seen two murders occur on the subway on the same day is highly unusual. It plays into the sense of vulnerability people feel when they’re in a confined space. And people are noticing this, which makes the situation feel worse.
**Host:** You mentioned people feeling more vulnerable. That sense of unease is palpable among commuters. What factors are contributing to this heightened anxiety?
**Paul Reeping:** There are a few layers at play here.Firstly, the pandemic had a significant impact on crime rates, and the rise in subway crime mirrors the broader citywide increase. Secondly, there’s been a noticeable increase in erratic behavior, fights, and general disruption on the subway in recent years, adding to the unease.
**Host:** and, of course, recent high-profile incidents, like the recent DOB attack where a woman was tragically killed on the F train, have fueled these anxieties.
**Paul Reeping:** Absolutely. These incidents have a profound impact on public perception, rightly so.
Even though statistically, the subways might be safer than walking on the streets, the perception of safety matters
**Host:** Some argue governor Hochul’s deployment of more National Guard troops and increased cameras will improve safety.What’s your view on these measures?
**Paul Reeping:** These measures might provide a temporary sense of security, but they’re not addressing the root causes of the problem. We need to invest in long-term solutions, like improved mental health services, addressing homelessness, and fostering a sense of community within the subway system.
**Host:** You make a valuable point about addressing the underlying causes. This isn’t just a matter of security; it’s about societal well-being.
**Paul Reeping:** Exactly. We can’t just react to symptoms; we need a holistic approach to tackle the issues driving this increase in violence. The subway is a vital part of our city, and we need to make it a safe and positive experience for everyone.
**Host:** Paul Reeping,thank you for sharing your insights and expertise with us today. This conversation is far from over,
and we’ll continue to follow this issue closely.
**Paul Reeping:** Thank you for having me.
