New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Edward Caban have announced a new technology to detect weapons in the subway system. The pilot program could begin in a few months, with an impact and use policy for electromagnetic weapons detection systems set to be published soon, followed by a 90-day waiting period before the technology can be tested. However, the announcement has faced criticism from the Legal Aid Society, which has expressed concerns about false alarms and panic induced by gun detection systems.
Despite this, efforts are being made to improve safety underground. Governor Kathy Hochul has deployed the National Guard and State Police for random bag checks, while Commissioner Caban has been engaging with riders to understand their concerns. Transit crime in the city has increased by 4% this year compared to last year and 8% compared to 14 years ago. In response, the NYPD has announced plans to assign 800 additional officers for a week-long crackdown on subway fare evaders. Additionally, the city is hiring more clinicians to provide assistance to those dealing with mental illness as part of a broader strategy to improve safety and security in the subway system.
