Enough talk, Mr. Mayor — you must act to stop shocking subway crime

Subway Crime in NYC: A Report on the Current Situation

Introduction

Yet again, a commuter walks down the subway steps and is carried up in a body bag. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of subway crime in New York City. In this report, we will analyze the current situation, the efforts made by Mayor Adams to address the problem, and the challenges that still need to be overcome.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The issue of subway crime aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. These goals include:

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. Goal 5: Gender Equality
3. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
4. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The Situation under Mayor Adams

For Mayor Adams, every day is Groundhog Day in the subways. Two years and nearly three months ago, he started his tenure as mayor with a horrific random attack at a crowded Manhattan subway stop — and vowed a surge in police. However, recent events have shown that these measures are not effectively addressing the issue. It is crucial for Mayor Adams to explain how and why these efforts are falling short.

Just two weeks into Adams’ mayoralty, Michelle Go met her pushing death at a Times Square subway stop on a busy Saturday morning. She died at the hands of a severely mentally ill individual with a long violent record, a man already in violation of his recent parole.

Efforts Made by Mayor Adams

The mayor’s initial plan included increasing the presence of subway police and providing more mental-health treatment. However, these measures have not yielded the desired results. The number of subway homicides has increased in recent years, reaching the worst levels since the early 1990s. The “omnipresence” of cops in the subway has been limited to brief visual inspections, which are not sufficient to address the underlying issues.

Challenges and Solutions

There are several reasons why the police surge has not been effective:

• The mayor needs to recognize that subway crime surges are not temporary and require a permanent solution. A larger transit police force should be prioritized in the budget.
• The extra police are doing their job, but the rest of the criminal-justice system remains broken. More arrests are being made, but individuals arrested often do not stay arrested. Repeat offenders continue to commit crimes in the subway system.
• Mental-health treatment for individuals with a history of mental illness is lacking. Secure mental-health care should be provided to those who need it, rather than relying on the criminal justice system.

Mayor Adams must find funding for a larger transit-police presence, improve mental-health care services, and advocate for legislative changes that allow judges to keep dangerous individuals behind bars and fund more long-term mental-health beds. These actions are necessary to address the root causes of subway crime and create a safer environment for commuters.

Conclusion

The recent incidents of subway crime in New York City highlight the urgent need for effective measures to ensure the safety of commuters. Mayor Adams’ efforts have fallen short, and it is crucial for him to reassess his strategies and prioritize the Sustainable Development Goals. By investing in a larger transit police force, improving the criminal-justice system, and providing adequate mental-health care, New York City can work towards achieving the SDGs and creating a safer and more sustainable city.

About the Author

Nicole Gelinas is a contributing editor to the Manhattan Institute’s City Journal.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content

• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

• Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease.
• Indicator 11.7.1: Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use for all, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: nypost.com

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