New York to Deploy National Guard and State Troopers to Address Subway Crime
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans to send hundreds of National Guard troops and state troopers into the New York City subway system in an effort to address the rising crime rates. The move comes as the city faces a string of high-profile incidents and a recent uptick in crime, despite an overall decline compared to the peak of the pandemic.
While the exact details of the deployment are yet to be finalized, the plan calls for 750 members of the New York National Guard and 250 state troopers to be stationed at the busiest subway stations. Their primary role will be to conduct bag checks for weapons, marking a show of force that hasn’t been seen since the followingmath of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The decision to deploy additional law enforcement personnel follows the city’s earlier initiative in February, when Mayor Eric Adams placed 1,000 city officers in the subway system in response to a surge in crime. Hochul’s proposed legislation also seeks to empower judges to ban individuals with criminal records from using the subway.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Some have expressed concerns regarding the potential for racial profiling, fearing that the bag checks might disproportionately target Black and Brown New Yorkers. Progressive Democrats, such as city council member Shekar Krishnan, argue that the focus should be on investing in strategies that address the root causes of crime, such as mental health services.
The heightened police presence in the subway system is part of Hochul’s five-point plan to combat crime. The plan includes allocating $20 million for mental health workers to assist individuals in need, as well as adding more cameras to enhance surveillance capabilities.
Restoring confidence in the subway system is crucial to the city’s recovery from the pandemic. The fear of crime has taken a toll on commuters, leading to heightened anxiety and stress. Hochul’s comprehensive approach aims to reassure New Yorkers that steps are being taken to ensure their safety and restore their peace of mind.
