New York Governor Kathy Hochul is praising the installation of security cameras in “every single subway car” across New York City, calling it a critical step in reducing violence and helping law enforcement “solve crimes even faster.”
"The recent surge in violent crimes in our public transit system cannot continue — and we need to tackle this crisis head-on," Hochul said. "I directed the MTA to install security cameras in every single subway car, and now that the project is complete, these cameras are helping police solve crimes even faster."
The initiative coincides with Hochul’s deployment of an additional 250 National Guard members to patrol the subway system in December, bringing the total number to 1,000. Hochul has called public safety her “top priority,” at a time when a number of violent acts on city subways have gained national attention, according to Fox News.
Hochul pointed to untreated mental illness as a major factor in violent subway incidents, saying it is "the result of a failure to get treatment to people who are living on the streets and are disconnected from our mental health care system." She blamed state laws and "nearly half a century of disinvestment in mental health care and supportive housing,” adding it “directly contributed to the crisis we see on our streets and subways."
Recent high-profile subway crimes have fueled public concern. These include the trial of former Marine Daniel Penny, who intervened against a threatening homeless man, Jordan Neely, and the tragic case of a woman being set on fire and burned alive by an illegal immigrant.
To address the underlying mental health issues, Hochul announced plans to introduce state legislation expanding the criteria for involuntary commitment.
"We can’t fully address this problem without changes to state law," she explained. "Currently, hospitals are able to commit individuals whose mental illness puts themselves or others at risk of serious harm, and this legislation will expand that definition to ensure more people receive the care they need."
