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Hochul proposes overnight police on subway trains
Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled her agenda in the annual State of the State address, tackling tax cuts, free tuition for high-demand jobs, and inflation relief payments. The centerpiece of her proposals is a plan to station NYPD officers on every subway train overnight to combat rising crime. But with NYPD staffing stretched thin, some are asking whether the idea is sustainable. FOX 5's Linda Schmidt has the story.
NEW YORK - Every subway station in New York City will have a uniformed officer onboard subway platforms and trains from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., NY Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in Tuesday's State of the State.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 3: A woman waits to board an "F" train at the Smith-9 Sts subway station on August 3, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
Increasing NYPD presence on subway platforms and trains
What they're saying:
Hochul said she will partner with New York City to increase New York Police Department (NYPD) presence on every subway platform and train for the next six months, in addition to the National Guardsmen.
"Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority — and that means making sure our subways feel safe and are safe for every single rider and worker," Governor Hochul said. "No one should be in fear that they’ll be a victim of crime as they commute to work, go to school or enjoy a night out — that is why we’re partnering with law enforcement, improving our infrastructure and ensuring that New Yorkers struggling with mental illness get the support they need."
Big picture view:
Approximately 750 NYPD officers will be stationed across New York City with an additional 300 in the train cars themselves, Hochul's office said in a press release.
Hochul said NYPD officers will work from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., and there will be a uniformed officer onboard every subway train in service during those hours.
Hochul will provide funding to install platform edge barriers at more than 100 additional stations by the end of 2025. LED lighting will also be stalled in all subway stations to increase visibility.
Crime in NYC
Dig deeper:
According to NYPD statistics, overall crime was down in New York City in 2024 by around 3% compared to 2023, year to date. Murders were down 3.8%, with 375 this past year as opposed to 390 in 2023.
Murders were down 3.8%, with 375 this past year as opposed to 390 in 2023, but the city saw a 4.9% increase in felony assaults.
"While there were thousands fewer victims of major crimes—including shootings, murders, robberies, and other violent acts—in 2024, there is still much more work to be done to keep New Yorkers safe, to make them feel safe, and to improve their overall quality of life in the year ahead," Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
The Source: This article contains information from the New York Governor's office website and crime statistics from the NYPD.