In a recent news conference, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a five-point plan to improve safety on our subways. One part of the plan outlines the implementation of mandatory bag checks on the subway.
Governor Hochul announced she will deploy 1,000 members of State personnel (comprised of 250 New York State and MTA Police officers and 750 National Guard members currently deployed on Joint Task Force Empire Shield) to assist the NYPD in such a efforts. The State personnel will execute these baggage checks at heavily trafficked stations to ensure no rider is bringing weapons into stations or onto trains.
“No one heading to their job, or to visit family, or go to a doctor’s appointment should worry that the person sitting next to them possesses a deadly weapon. They shouldn’t worry about whether someone’s going to brandish a knife or gun. That’s what we’re going to do at these checkpoints,” said Hochul.
Stopped riders will be able to refuse a bag check, however, they will be unable to enter the station until they give consent. “They can refuse,” said Governor Hochul. “We can refuse them. They can walk.”
Additionally, Governor Hochul is proposing an amendment to state laws that would restrict anyone who has been convicted of a violent crime against a passenger from riding a subway or bus. This ban would prevent assailants from committing further attacks on the subway for at least three years.
Other points of the plan include the addition of cameras in conductor cabins, $20 million to expand the Subway Co-Response Outreach pilot (SCOUT), and increasing collaboration between District Attorneys and law enforcement.
“Since taking office, I have been laser-focused on driving down subway crime and protecting New Yorkers,” said Governor Hochul. “My five-point plan will rid our subways of violent offenders and protect all commuters and transit workers. I am sending a message to all New Yorkers: I will not stop working to keep you safe and restore your peace of mind whenever you walk through those turnstiles.”
This new five-point plan follows other recent safety efforts in the subway, including conductor and platform barriers.