NYPD Transit Bureau Wants You to Enjoy the Ride
Public transportation in New York City is a necessity. Unfortunately, with public transportation comes the danger of being robbed, groped, and other various crimes ranging from nonviolent to violent. Thankfully, New York City is packed with well-equipped men and women working with the NYPD Transit Bureau, who are dedicated to the safety of our trains and subways.
Chief of Transit, Joseph Fox has worked for the NYPD Transit Bureau for 35 years, and has currently held his position as Chief of Transit for five years. Fox and his team take their job very seriously, “The importance of safety in our subways cannot be underrated.” He explains how passengers on subways can be more vulnerable than those walking the street, “They don’t have many options,” Fox points out.
The NYPD is realistic when it comes to subway passengers, “Whether a passenger is sleeping because they worked overtime or enjoyed the nightlife of NYC, we can’t blame them,” Sargent Paul Grattan, who handles communications continues, “Some people make time to check their email on the train.” They know people are focused on their devices or trying to relax, “It’s the criminals that have everything to do with the crimes.” Grattan goes on to mention how they promote public awareness, but do not blame the victims of crimes.
The issue of sex crimes is severely focused on within the NYPD. Not only does the MTA now make public service announcements, but they have signs to remind people groping is considered a crime. Fox urges people to report these crimes and discusses how the NYPD is always actively improving how they help victims. They hold a monthly peer training, where officers best at identifying perpetrators train officers throughout the city, and a victim is more likely to deal with a female officer when discussing the encounter. The NYPD also works closely with the women’s advocacy group, Hollaback, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending harassment.
Small changes like these are huge advancements for the safety of passengers. But as a passenger it’s always recommended to help out by reporting crimes, even small ones like graffiti on walls, or situations that involve sexual harassment. Speaking up about uncomfortable situations on trains can only make public transportation safer, and you feel at ease.
It’s obvious why Fox feels fortunate and proud to be apart of the NYPD Transit Bureau. With their passion for protecting the public and dedication to the job, the Transit Bureau has mostly seen only positive changes when it comes to crime rates. Back in 1990, the NYC subway system had over nine thousand robberies that year; over 47 felonies a day with half the people we have riding our subways today. In 2016, NYC subways saw about 400 robberies, which equals out to a little over one a day. We have about six million riders a day in the city, and only six reported crimes a day, including non-confrontational and nonviolent crimes.
The increase of ridership and decrease of crime rate is a huge goal for the NYPD, who are always aiming for a low crime percentage and constantly adjusting their plans every year to maintain safe public transportation. Fox reminds us that these officers are there to help and protect, “The men and women wearing those uniforms, they are there for you.”
