New York governor to deploy National Guard onto subways

• While a vast police presence already exists in New York's subways, Mayor Eric Adams also ordered 1,000 additional officers to be stationed last month following a spike in transit crime.
• The influx of officers resulted in a 15.4% drop in crime in February compared to the same month a year ago, according to the NYPD.

Zoom in: The governor's five-point plan "to protect New Yorkers on the subway" includes increasing public safety personnel and adding security cameras.

• The 1,000 additional officers — 750 from the National Guard and 250 from New York State Police and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) — will help "the NYPD's enhanced baggage checks at heavily trafficked areas."
• The plan also includes introducing legislation to allow judges to ban people convicted of an assault within the system from using MTA services as part of sentencing.

• Additionally, $20 million is being allocated to expand the state's pilot program that addresses the mental health crises within the subway system.

What they're saying: Hochul said she's "laser-focused" on reducing subway crime and protecting New Yorkers.

• "My five-point plan will rid our subways of violent offenders and protect all commuters and transit workers," she said. "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."

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