On October 8th, the New York Police Department (NYPD) held its third-quarter crime briefing, where Mayor Eric Adams shared the latest crime statistics. He announced an encouraging 8.3% decrease in crime rates on public transportation for September. In response to these findings, Adams introduced a new initiative aimed at addressing mental health issues to improve passenger safety.
Mental health concerns within the transportation system have become a growing focus for both commuters and city officials in recent years. Michael LiPetri, the Deputy Commissioner for Crime Control Strategies, noted a troubling connection between stranger assaults and mental health problems. A tragic incident in January 2022, when Michelle Go, a Chinese American woman, was pushed onto subway tracks during peak hours by a homeless individual dealing with mental illness, underscored the urgency of the situation. This unfortunate event prompted the MTA to launch a safety gate installation initiative in response to public outcry.
Tania Kinsella, the NYPD’s First Deputy Commissioner, will lead the new initiative. Its objectives go beyond simply reducing crime; it seeks to enhance the sense of security for New Yorkers using public transportation. “The subway system is the lifeblood of our city, and ensuring its safety is crucial for public safety in New York City,” Adams emphasized. Details about the program have yet to be revealed.
At the end of 2022, the Adams administration introduced a controversial policy concerning the “forced medical transport” of the homeless. Within the first year of this policy, 54 individuals with severe mental illnesses were removed from the streets. The administration has also assisted hundreds of homeless individuals with serious mental health issues in receiving medical care, successfully encouraging over 70% of the city’s homeless population to utilize shelters.
Complicating the situation, the federal government is considering a collective lawsuit against New York City, claiming discrimination against individuals with mental health issues. Critics argue that police are often dispatched to respond to 911 calls involving mental health crises instead of qualified professionals. However, the city asserts that sending civilians to handle such calls poses unpredictable risks.
In addition to the mental health initiatives, Adams highlighted several successes in crime reduction during the briefing. New York City has seen crime rates decline for nine consecutive months, with an overall index crime decrease of 3.1% in September and a 3.3% reduction in the third quarter, leading to a 2.0% drop year-to-date. Significant decreases were also reported in serious crimes like murder and theft. “Public safety is essential for the city’s prosperity, serving as both our standard for measuring success and a vital part of the stability that all New Yorkers seek,” Adams stated.
