NYC Subway Murders Hit 10 in 2022

NYC subway murders from 1997-2020. There were 10 last year compared to zero in 2017. That’s an er, infinite(?) percent increase. We really had this under control until we permitted people to loiter and/or trespass in the subway system without consequence or ejection. That was a simple policy change directive issued to the Transit Police by the deBlasio administration that took effect in 2016 and 2017.

I can date it because when the 2nd Avenue subway opened, I went to visit and took pictures. A few days later I told a Transit Cop student of mine how nice it was. He said, “It’s the Taj Mahal of homeless shelters!” And then explained the new Transit Police policy directive of non-enforcement for trespass and loitering. (Police were to “offer” help to the homeless and mentally ill, and then just leave them be.) Thus ended 26-years of basic subway rule enforcement not with a bang but a whimper.

(hat tip: Nicole Gelinas)