Lack of law enforcement at subway stations rated least safe raises concerns

In a recent incident at the 116th Street and Lexington Avenue subway station in Harlem, New York City Transit Police were seen removing a passenger from a train car following a complaint from an MTA worker.

This action underscores a growing concern over the lack of law enforcement presence at subway stations, particularly those perceived as less safe by commuters. Faisal Jabbar, a frequent traveler through the station, expressed support for increased law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of feeling secure while using public transportation.

According to the MTA’s latest customer count survey from the fall, the 116th Street and Lexington Avenue subway station received the lowest safety ratings from straphangers, citing concerns about crime and harassment. As worries about transit-related crime continue to mount, Governor Kathy Hochul recently deployed additional personnel, including 750 National Guard members, along with New York State Police and MTA Police, to conduct bag checks in stations. This measure supplements the ongoing NYPD surge of 1000 extra officers on patrol in subways since February.

Despite these efforts, observations reveal a lack of law enforcement presence at stations identified as high-risk areas by commuters. At the 125th Street and Lexington Avenue station, nearly 10 blocks north, no law enforcement officers were spotted, despite it being ranked as one of the least safe stations. David Rabilas, a food truck worker in the vicinity, described the area as “very dangerous” and recounted a recent incident where his wife was robbed in broad daylight, prompting him to take extra precautions for her safety.

Similarly, at the Kingsbridge Road subway station near Grand Concourse in the Bronx, where safety concerns were also raised by commuters, there was no visible law enforcement presence. The lack of security measures at these stations raises questions about deployment strategies and decision-making processes. While the NYPD responded, highlighting their ongoing assessments and deployment strategies based on various factors including crime rates and customer feedback, details about the presence of plainclothes officers remain unclear.

As commuters continue to voice concerns about safety in the subway system, stakeholders must address the discrepancies in law enforcement presence at stations perceived as less safe. Effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies, transit authorities, and local communities is crucial to ensure the safety and security of all subway users.