Mayor Adams doubles the police presence in the subway

Mayor Eric Adams plans to double the number of police officers on patrol of the transit system. This measure is a response to the mass shooting at the subway station in Sunset Park that took place on Tuesday morning and left at least 23 people injured.

Earlier this year, Mayor Adams announced the deployment of 1,000 additional police officers to tackle the rising crime levels and improve the safety of commuters. According to amNY, approximately 3,500 police officers were deployed to patrol the NYC transit system in January. Now, Mayor Adams wants to double this number to address the public’s concerns regarding subway safety. 

“We have to match their concerns with the safety that they deserve and the safety that they need,” Adams told WPIX-11. “Today, one step that we’re taking is we’re going to double the number of uniformed officers there.”

A City Hall spokesperson Fabien Levy told the City and State that day shift officers will continue to work throughout the night, “so New Yorkers will see an omnipresence of transit police on subway platforms.” It is unclear how long the additional presence of police in the subway will continue. 

The NYC subway ridership is still at least 50 percent below its pre-pandemic levels, MTA reports. The recent shooting and overall increase in violent crimes on transit systems might push people away from taking a subway. 

The Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents most transit system workers, told Commercial Observer that the impact of doubling the police presence will not be immediate.  

“It’s going to take time,” said Pete Donohue, a spokesperson for TWU Local 100. “No one was under the illusion that police officers alone would solve the complex issues of crime, homelessness and mental illness. It’s a start.”

Resources:

“After Sunset Park shooting, Adams ‘doubles’ number of police officers on subway,” by Devin Gannon (6sqft, 2022)

“Number of NYC cops on subways hits another record under Mayor Adams ‘omnipresence’ deployment,” by Kevin Duggan (amNY, 2022)

“New York City will double up on subway police amid search for shooter,” by Sara Dorn (City and State, 2022)

“Real Estate Industry Leaders Stand by Eric Adams’ Strategy of More Cops in Subways,” by Mark Hallum (Commercial Observer, 2022)

“NYPD doubling police presence in subway system: Adams,” by Finn Hoogensen (WPIX-11, 2022)