New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, has announced plans to reinstate random bag checks for subway riders in response to a surge in crime on the city’s transit system. This decision comes after a nearly 20% increase in crime levels during the first two months of 2024 compared to the same period last year, according to NYPD data cited by the New York Post.
The alarming rise in crime has prompted concerns about the safety of subway riders. Incidents such as grand larcenies, felony assaults, and robberies have skyrocketed, with three homicides occurring in the underground system in January and February alone. These incidents paint a grim picture of the deteriorating security on New York City’s subway.
Mayor Adams, a former NYPD detective, acknowledged the public’s growing sense of insecurity and emphasized the need to take action. “We know people feel unsafe,” he said at a press briefing. “We are reinstituting bag checks. There are several things we are reinstituting in the system.”
The bag checks will be conducted by the NYPD’s transit division, with 94 bag screening teams being deployed to 136 subway stations. The department has also increased its presence in the system by adding 1,000 officers. The goal is to provide a greater police presence and address the concerns of subway riders.
While the decision to reinstate bag checks has drawn comparisons to the controversial “stop and frisk” program, Mayor Adams clarified that the focus will be on searching bags for weapons, such as knives, box cutters, clubs, and guns. The intention is to ensure the safety of commuters by preventing dangerous items from entering the subway system.
In addition to bag checks, Mayor Adams has expressed interest in testing metal detectors as another measure to keep guns off trains. This multi-pronged approach aims to address the security concerns and restore a sense of safety for subway riders.
Governor Kathy Hochul, also a Democrat, is expected to provide state assistance to the city’s subway safety efforts. This assistance will involve new state personnel assisting the NYPD with bag checks and implementing other safety measures.
As crime continues to rise on New York City’s transit system, it is crucial for officials to take proactive steps to protect the public. The reinstatement of bag checks and the potential use of metal detectors demonstrate a commitment to enhancing security and preserving the well-being of subway riders.
It is imperative that the city’s leaders prioritize the safety of its citizens over political considerations. New Yorkers deserve a subway system that is safe and reliable, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that this fundamental need is met. The success of these measures will be measured by their effectiveness in deterring crime and instilling confidence in the city’s transit system once again.
