NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — With nearly 10 recorded crimes on trains and stations since the holiday weekend, 1010 WINS reporter Juliet Papa was one of four journalists given access to routine subway patrols in action just as Mayor Eric Adams' new subway safety plan goes into effect.
The TOMS patrols — which stand for train, order, maintenance and sweep— are comprised of a team of uniformed NYPD officers who check the subway platforms or trains for any issues.
Deputy Inspector Kenneth Gorman said the eight-member team has a variety of inspections its patrol officers need to make to ensure rider safety.
"[The officers] are going to step into the train as it pulls in, take a survey of the train, make sure that there are no violations or criminal activity that need to be addressed," he added. "We are also going to be looking to see if there's anybody on that train who that may be in need of some kind of services."
Joining the team in action at the Columbus Circle station, Papa witnessed a supervising transit cop checking with the conductor on several trains and spoke with commuters who weighed in on their presence.
Over the last 28 days, 5,600 inspections were conducted.
Amy, a "regular rider," said she has never felt unsafe on the subway and urged more financial resources to target other communities.
"I'd rather see more money going into vulnerable community members," she added.
Meanwhile, Gorman stressed the valuable resource riders provide if any problems arise.
"We are also looking for contact with the commuters who are on that train so that they can express to us any concerns they may have, anything they may have seen on that train or anywhere else in the [subway] system," he said.
Susan, another commuter, said she is concerned for her safety while riding.
"There are so many derelects on the trains," she added. "You don't know if they are going to attack you or whatever. They are begging you for money. They literally touch you."
However, with a rise in transit violence, Gorman said the patrol's response time will be "immediate."
"They're going to take proper police action to make sure that it is not only ceased but that people who need to be placed into custody are immediately placed into custody and we're ensuring the safety of everybody on that train," he said.
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