I agree with the sentiments in here that both things can be true. Eric Adams is a career cop; their “success” is based on twisting numbers.
At the same time, it’s a numbers game. There are 9 million people in NYC; you have to think it’s at least 100,000 who are legit insane. You have to mitigate what you can when you can, but you can’t stop everything.
Crime overall is down, but random acts of violence and mentally ill attacks could be up. People’s fear and feelings can’t really be quantified, but it’s obvious many people do feel unsafe on the train.
If you ask 100 people on the street if they would rather see a national guard patrol or a group of mentally ill people roaming a platform, I think we can guess what the majority would want. I’m not for over policing in any sense, but as a politician it’s an easy win for PR and perceived public safety.
The lawyer woman is unwilling to admit that an increased presence can be what many people feel they need, despite whatever poll or graph she’s reading.