NYC Subway Implements Bag Checks by National Guard and State Police Amidst Rise in Violent Incidents
New York City’s subway is taking new measures to ensure the safety of its passengers amidst a recent surge in violent incidents. Governor Hochul has announced the deployment of 750 members of the National Guard and 250 state and MTA police officers to subway stations to inspect passengers’ bags. The aim is to prevent individuals from carrying deadly weapons onto the subway system.
The decision comes after a series of violent incidents that have left commuters concerned about their safety. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals can travel on the subway without fear of encountering someone with a weapon. “No one heading to their job or to visit family or to go to a doctor’s appointment should worry that the person sitting next to them possesses a deadly weapon,” she said.
The bag checks will be conducted randomly and will not involve body scans or pat downs like those seen in airport security. In fact, this is not an entirely new concept for subway riders. Random bag checks performed by police officers have occurred sporadically since the September 11 terror attacks, which took place 22 years ago.
Transit officials have clarified that the support from the state will allow for more frequent spot checks throughout the subway system. However, it is important to note that the National Guard, MTA police, and other state law enforcement agencies will not be patrolling the trains themselves.
Governor Hochul’s deployment of additional law enforcement officers is part of a broader plan aimed at reducing crime in the subway system. Her “five-point plan” includes initiatives such as increasing the number of clinical teams responding to individuals in mental distress on subways, installing surveillance cameras inside conductor and train-operator cabs, proposing legislation to ban anyone convicted of assault on transit from the system for three years, improving coordination between MTA officials and law enforcement, and hiring a new “criminal justice advocate” to assist crime victims in the system.
One of the initiatives that has raised concerns among some is the installation of cameras in conductor and operator cabs. The Transport Workers Union Local 100 has opposed this move in the past due to privacy concerns. However, Governor Hochul believes that the presence of cameras would greatly improve safety on the subway. She cited the case of MTA conductor Alton Scott, who was randomly assaulted and narrowly survived. If a camera had been positioned in his cabin, the assailant may have been apprehended sooner.
The rise in crime on the subway system has prompted action from both the NYPD and the MTA. The NYPD has reported a 15.5% increase in felony assaults at subway stops and trains compared to the previous year. Grand larcenies, property theft, and pickpocketing have also contributed to the rise in crime rates. However, misdemeanor assaults have decreased by 3.9%.
To address this issue, Governor Hochul’s plan includes improved coordination between MTA officials, district attorneys, and police. The goal is to ensure that repeat offenders are flagged and that relevant information is shared among agencies. It is believed that a small percentage of subway arrestees are responsible for a significant portion of the crimes committed.
While these new security measures have been welcomed by many, they have also raised concerns among civil libertarians. Some worry that the presence of National Guard troops and increased bag checks could lead to profiling and unjust arrests. Critics argue that these measures are unnecessary, especially as crime rates are falling.
Albert Fox Cahn, head of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, expressed specific concern about the use of the National Guard. He believes that militarizing the MTA is not justified given the current crime rates and budget constraints. Cahn fears that innocent New Yorkers may be wrongly arrested or harmed as a result.
Despite these concerns, Governor Hochul remains determined to prioritize the safety of subway commuters. She is committed to implementing measures that will protect passengers and restore their peace of mind. The bag checks and other initiatives outlined in her five-point plan aim to rid the subways of violent offenders and create a safer environment for all. As she stated, “I will not stop working to keep you safe whenever you walk through those turnstiles.”
