New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on the 16th that the state will allocate approximately $77 million in police overtime budget to increase police deployment within the subway system, especially during late-night shifts and in remote areas, aiming to improve subway crime and security issues. She pledged that the plan will be implemented starting from next Monday, the 20th.
Hochul mentioned in a press conference that this funding will primarily be used to cover overtime costs for the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) police, as well as to enhance patrol intensity and coverage. In addition to regular shifts, at least 300 police officers will be additionally stationed on subway carriages and platforms during late-night hours.
These 300 uniformed police officers will be deployed on all 150 overnight subway trains, with two officers on each subway train from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Hochul believes that strengthening the late-night police presence is the “most valuable investment” as the subway crime rate tends to be higher during this timeframe, causing unease among commuters or late-night shift workers. She emphasized, “Our goal is to ensure that every resident, whenever they enter the subway, feels safe.”
Hochul stated that the government will conduct promotional activities to inform the public that more police officers are stationed at key stations and train carriages, aiming to increase the sense of security for New Yorkers when they ride the subway. The plan is expected to cost $77 million in the first three months, with funding coming from the existing budget. Hochul noted that she will seek an additional $77 million in next year’s budget to ensure the sustainability of the plan.
According to statistics from the New York City Police Department, overall subway crime rates have shown slight signs of slowing down recently, but incidents such as theft, assaults, and armed robberies still occur during late-night or early morning hours, especially on trains with fewer passengers and inadequate carriage surveillance.
Last week, New York City Mayor Adams announced a similar deployment action, increasing the deployment of 200 police officers on subway carriages and platforms. The coordination between the state government and the city government regarding their respective plans has not been detailed by the governor’s office.
Hochul also pledged to make efforts to install LED lighting and platform guardrails at all stations by the end of this year, stating, “If the train is approaching, and you are standing behind it (the guardrail), you will feel safe.”