Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to deploy the National Guard and State Police to the New York City subway system faced immediate and widespread criticism from various quarters. Left-leaning voices criticized the plan as potentially criminalizing the public and reinforcing GOP narratives about urban lawlessness. Centrists expressed concerns that the militarized response could undermine public safety perceptions. Notably, even the New York Police Department’s top brass questioned the approach, suggesting that focusing on increased police presence rather than outside law enforcement assistance might be more effective. The disagreements highlight the divisions within the Democratic Party over crime-related policy approaches. Despite Hochul’s intention to reassure New Yorkers and convey a strong stance on crime ahead of elections, the response to her plan underscores the challenges of addressing crime perception and political dynamics in New York City.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/07/nyregion/hochul-police-subway-search.html