Through the first four months of 2024, the New York City subway system saw a notable decrease in major felonies compared to the same period last year. The data corresponds to an intensified presence of New York Police Department (NYPD) officers throughout the system since the start of this year.
The NYPD released new numbers that show index crimes through Sunday, April 28, dropped 6.4% compared to the same period last year, with robberies showing the most significant decline at 25%.
However, murders doubled from last year. Police reported four murders in the first four months of 2024, compared to two over the same period in 2023. Notably, there have been no murders in the subway system during April 2024. The latest incident occurred on March 25, at the 125th Street stop on the Lexington Avenue line.
Deputy Chief Norman Grandstaff of the NYPD’s Transit Bureau emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure rider safety. He highlighted the increased police presence and a 50% rise in arrests this year. Part of the rise in arrests are due to fare evasion. Police arrested more than 90% additional people for fare evasion to start 2024. Weapons violations arrests also saw a rise by at least 60%, according to NYPD data.
In March 2023, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, D, announced plans to use artificial intelligence technology to detect weapons at subway turnstiles, despite concerns about its accuracy and ethical implications. Legal experts warned of potential harm caused by misidentification and false positives.
Adams assured the public that privacy concerns would be addressed. Testing of the AI technology begins three months after the announcement, as mandated by the POST Act. Eventually, body scanners will be installed in subway stations to enhance security measures.
The mayor reaffirmed his commitment to the safety of all New Yorkers, including those struggling with mental illness. Adams promised to hire more mental health clinicians to assist police in managing such cases.
In addition, NYPD officials said the latest numbers are a testament to their ongoing efforts to ensure riders safety on the subway system.
“Our hard work is paying off and the subway system is all the safer for it,” the NYPD Transit Bureau said.
However, the bureau emphasized the importance of continued vigilance in staying safe.