Dr. Phil and Mayor Eric Adams’ subway tour reveals the complex challenges of homelessness and safety in New York City’s transit system.
At a Glance
- Dr. Phil joined Mayor Adams to examine subway safety and homelessness issues
- The tour highlighted the potential for encounters with homeless individuals to escalate quickly
- Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of both actual and perceived safety in the subway system
- The visit underscored the need for a balanced approach to support vulnerable groups and maintain public safety
- New York City’s migrant crisis has added complexity to the homelessness situation
Subway Safety Plan and Homelessness Concerns
In the wake of Marine veteran Daniel Penny’s acquittal, Dr. Phil and Mayor Eric Adams embarked on a tour of New York City’s subway system to address growing concerns about safety and homelessness. Penny was recently acquitted for the death of subway menace Jordan Neely (Penny did not kill him). The visit aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by the city in maintaining a safe and orderly transit environment while supporting vulnerable populations.
Mayor Adams has previously released a comprehensive Subway Safety Plan to tackle these issues head-on. The plan includes expanding response teams with NYPD officers and clinicians, enforcing MTA rules, and providing additional support for unhoused individuals. It also calls for changes to state and federal laws to improve care for New Yorkers in need.
Getting an unfiltered look at New York City with Mayor Adams discussing his PATH initiative to help the homeless by delivering resources to those struggling with mental illness in the city’s subways. pic.twitter.com/E2UiJ5CyTH
— Dr. Phil (@DrPhil) December 13, 2024
Encounter Highlights Potential for Escalation
During their subway tour, Dr. Phil and Mayor Adams witnessed a tense altercation with a homeless individual, demonstrating how quickly such situations can escalate. The incident underscored the need for a balanced approach to addressing homelessness and maintaining public safety.
“See how fast it can turn? Now you have just civilians here, they can be hurt,” Adams said.
The mayor explained that both Department of Homeless Services workers and police officers are involved in handling such situations due to potential risks. This approach aims to provide necessary support while ensuring the safety of all subway users.
Balancing Safety and Support
Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of the subway as an economic equalizer and the need for both actual and perceived safety. The Subway Safety Plan includes measures such as deploying Joint Response Teams in high-need locations, incorporating medical services into DHS sites, and creating new drop-in centers near key subway stations.
“It is cruel and inhumane to allow unhoused people to live on the subway, and unfair to paying passengers and transit workers who deserve a clean, orderly, and safe environment,” Mayor Adams said. “The days of turning a blind eye to this growing problem are over, and I look forward to collaborating with the state, the federal government, TWU, advocates, and law enforcement to solve this challenge. It will take time, but our work starts now.”
The plan also calls for expanding psychiatric bed resources and amending Kendra’s Law to improve care for individuals with serious mental illness. These measures aim to address the root causes of homelessness and provide long-term solutions for vulnerable populations.
Migrant Crisis Adds Complexity
Mayor Adams highlighted the additional strain placed on the city’s resources by the ongoing migrant crisis. With over 220,000 migrants arriving in New York City, the situation has further complicated efforts to address homelessness and ensure subway safety.
“The city states that anyone, if they’re documented or undocumented, that if you need a place to stay, housing, we have to give you housing, by our state constitution,” Adams explained.
