They’re a welcome sight to some, but others said the increased police presence in the subway makes no difference to them.

“I’ve never really felt unsafe,” commuter Stacie Boch said. “Cops have never been a factor. I don’t feel their presence has ever made a difference.”

However, the NYPD announced Tuesday a 36.4% drop in crime underground last month compared to January 2024. During that time, there were an additional 750 officers on subway platforms and 300 riding trains from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Last January saw a spike in crime of 45% compared to 2023. This year, felony assaults were down 15.5% versus last January, which has been the most stubborn category for the NYPD.

“It could be true,” commuter Rachel Selba said. “But I think from what subway commuters see every day, it’s very difficult to want to say that is true when you’re witnessing this Monday through Friday, Monday through Sunday. It’s scary.”

Selba was referring to the homeless and those who have mental health issues acting erratically. While there’s been progress on felony assaults, they are still up 40% versus January 2020, before the pandemic. New Yorkers say safety really comes down to individuals, not the police.

“Their presence is welcome,” Raheem Sparks, a commuter from the Bronx, said. “But they are not going to stop nothing because if you gonna get robbed, you gonna get robbed. You stand out there, you stand back, you keep your head on a swivel. You’re in New York.”

Arrests are already up over 67%, but there seems to be a perception issue fueled by the mental health crisis.

The governor and the mayor are addressing it with teams of social workers and nurses, accompanied by officers, to help those who need it.

Gov. Hochul is also proposing changes to the involuntary commitment law.