NYPD plans continued subway patrols as Governor Hochul highlights significant decline in transit crime rates.

Governor Kathy Hochul reaffirmed on Wednesday that the New York Police Department’s enhanced presence in the subway system, which commenced in January, will persist as part of an initiative aimed at reducing crime. Speaking at Grand Central Terminal, Hochul noted that such visibility of law enforcement officers fosters a sense of security among commuters. She stated that the fear of criminal activity often diminishes when individuals feel protected by the presence of police officers.

The surge in patrols, initiated this winter to cover every overnight subway train, may soon evolve to focus on various peak hours during the day, albeit it will remain in effect for several more months. Recent police data reveals that significant crimes within the New York City subway network have decreased by approximately 2.6% compared to the same period last year.

Hochul highlighted that the summer months marked a notable decrease in subway crimes, declaring that the summer of 2025 was statistically the safest in over 15 years. She reported that overall crime in the transit system slumped by 22.8% in August 2025 when juxtaposed with August 2024.

According to official statistics, murders occurring on transit systems have dropped dramatically, showing a reduction of 63% this year, with only three murders reported compared to eight incidents in the same timeframe last year. However, there has been a concerning 167% increase in reported rapes, with eight incidents this year, up from three reported at the same juncture last year. Additionally, felony assaults remain relatively stable, with 390 incidents recorded this year, representing a modest 2% increase from the previous year.

When examining the broader context, the data indicates a 9.6% reduction in major crimes compared to 2019 levels. Despite this progress, some categories, including murders, rapes, felony assaults, and burglaries, are reported at higher rates than pre-pandemic figures. Nonetheless, Michael Kemper, the MTA’s security chief, remarked that subway crime constitutes only 1.7% of the total crime in New York City, framing this as an encouraging sign of progress.

There have been ongoing discussions regarding the financial responsibilities associated with the overtime needed to maintain the increased police presence. Sources indicate that negotiations between city and state officials are underway, but the governor has committed to supporting the initiative to enhance security within the subway system.

As this initiative continues, public safety remains a top priority for New York officials, with the state and city working collaboratively to ensure effective law enforcement within the transit system.