Crime in New York City (NYC) has always been present in history, especially when it came to the crime underground in NYC subways. The first subway opened in 1904 and became one of the most used mass transit vehicles (Young). Like any opening of a new place, there becomes this opportunity for crime to occur, but the true peak of crime in subways occurred in the 1980’s. For instance, just from the year 1979 to 1980, “crime on the subway rose 70%” (Feinman). At that time just in a week, 250 felonies were committed that affected passengers’ safety and caused the NYC subway to be called “the most dangerous mass transit in the world” (Baldwin). The city attempted to address the issue with the use of “police dogs,” and even a group called the Guardian
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Although there is not a specific organization that only addresses crime in subways, there are programs that are making sure subways and other public services are under more surveillance to help decrease crimes. For example, a program called the New York Police Department (NYPD) Auxiliary Police make the safety of these public services just a little bit better. The NYPD Auxiliary Police is a program that began in 1950 and now has over 4,500 members contributing over 1 million service hours every year. An Auxiliary Police Officer is a normal citizen, which has consisted of “security guards, high school teachers, students, retirees” and more, all willing to volunteer within NYC to work alongside the NYPD. They are trained by the NYPD and help observe and report any suspicious activity that is going on within public services. Their jobs consist of patrolling the streets, helping with traffic, assisting the NYPD and specifically to this issue are present in the subways and buses for the safety of passengers (“Welcome to”). Putting more security in subway stations can only benefit and create a safer ride for passengers. Overall, the aim of this program to improve the quality of life of NYC residents, helping prevent crime, suspicious activity, or simply helping create a safe environment for
Although there is not a specific organization that only addresses crime in subways, there are programs that are making sure subways and other public services are under more surveillance to help decrease crimes. For example, a program called the New York Police Department (NYPD) Auxiliary Police make the safety of these public services just a little bit better. The NYPD Auxiliary Police is a program that began in 1950 and now has over 4,500 members contributing over 1 million service hours every year. An Auxiliary Police Officer is a normal citizen, which has consisted of “security guards, high school teachers, students, retirees” and more, all willing to volunteer within NYC to work alongside the NYPD. They are trained by the NYPD and help observe and report any suspicious activity that is going on within public services. Their jobs consist of patrolling the streets, helping with traffic, assisting the NYPD and specifically to this issue are present in the subways and buses for the safety of passengers (“Welcome to”). Putting more security in subway stations can only benefit and create a safer ride for passengers. Overall, the aim of this program to improve the quality of life of NYC residents, helping prevent crime, suspicious activity, or simply helping create a safe environment for