Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban held a joint press briefing to announce statistics on the city’s most recent crime rates, detailing a considerable drop this last March. According to Adams, the decrease continues a trend that follows the post-pandemic surge, marking a period of increased safety for the city’s residents. Notably, the subway system experienced a 23% decline in criminal activities, attributed largely to the strategic surge of 1,000 officers, aimed at combating transit system lawlessness. This comprehensive effort has led to a nearly 53% increase in overall arrests within the subway, including significant upticks in gun and fare-evasion arrests.
“Millions of New Yorkers depend on mass transit. The system needs to be safe—and feel safe—for them, and thanks to increased deployments from Mayor Adams and smart policing from Commissioner Caban and the NYPD, 2024 subway crime is now below 2023 levels, and even lower than pre-pandemic,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber, underscoring the impact of the administration’s policies on public perception and reality of safety.
While the city celebrates reduced crime rates, certain challenges persist, notably a 5.5% increase in felony assaults in March. Moreover, recent violent incidents, particularly in the subway system, have left some citizens feeling uneasy despite the overall positive trend.
Addressing these concerns, Adams emphasized the collaborative effort needed from the community, “I said, ‘Ma’am, let me ask you the question differently. What are we going to do? How about you getting a group of your friends, these young thoughtful young people who are energetic, who are smart. How about coming out one day, walking with us, and interacting with these people who live on the subway system?'”
Despite the ongoing challenges, the Adams administration remains committed to enhancing public safety, with Mayor Adams highlighting the importance of tackling recidivism and the city’s mental health crisis as key to sustaining the progress made in reducing crime.
