By Suzie Ziegler
NEW YORK — New York City is revising its plan to have transit cops patrol solo after an officer was attacked on the first day of the new patrol initiative. Last week, Adams said the move to solo patrols would effectively double the patrol area and make subways safer for riders.
Yet the initiative has had a rocky start. An NYPD transit officer was attacked Tuesday evening while patrolling alone at the Pennsylvania Avenue station, NBC New York reported. Police say the officer was dragged down the stairs after asking a man to put out his cigarette. A struggle ensued and the suspect tried to grab the officer’s gun, the report said. The officer, who is expected to recover, arrested the suspect and took him to a hospital for evaluation.
The incident has prompted the NYPD to tweak its solo patrol policy, the report said.
Under the modified plan, officers will continue “the solo patrol concept by spreading officers out on posts," but officers will stay within each other’s sight, reported NBC New York. “This will increase visibility of police officers looking out for the riding public while at the same time looking out for each other,” an NYPD statement said.
Police unions had initially balked at the solo patrol initiative after Adams announced it last week, saying that solo patrol would further endanger officers and the public. The recent attack on a lone officer has only heightened their concerns, according to NBC New York.
Patrick Lynch, president of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, spoke with Adams after Tuesday’s attack and the mayor assured him at least two cops would be stationed in every patrol area, the report said.
The suspect in Tuesday’s attack is facing charges including assault on a police officer, attempting robbery, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration, the report said.