NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- The NYPD will deploy hundreds of officers throughout dozens of subway stations this week as part of an operation aiming to stop fare evaders.
Starting Monday, about 800 officers will be dispatched into the subway system for "Operation Fare Play" and will focus on stopping fare evasion at the turnstiles, according to Transit Chief Michael Kemper.
"Blatant fare evasion at the turnstiles remains one of the primary complaints from both law-abiding subway riders and the MTA," Kemper said during a news conference. "Our riders should not be subjected to open acts of lawlessness anywhere in our subway system."
Riders have already seen an uptick of officers on trains during the last few weeks, and some officers will also be undercover, Kemper added as he warned those thinking about hopping or crawling through the turnstiles instead of paying to "make the right decision."
Transit authorities said there have been 20 gun-related arrests made in seven-and-a-half-weeks with 11 of them made by officers who stopped suspects at turnstiles.