The Guardian Angels, a volunteer crime-prevention group, has announced that they will resume patrols of the New York City subway system following a recent spate of violent crime, including a woman being burned alive in a subway car last week. Founded in 1979 by Curtis Sliwa, the group aims to prevent crime and disorder in the subway system.
“We’re now back to where we were when I started the group in 1979 on the subways,” Sliwa said. “It’s gone full circle. I’ve never seen it this bad. Never.” The group has received requests from hundreds of people to provide services and plan to increase their presence, with 150 members patrolling the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station.
The Guardian Angels will provide wellness checks and water to homeless individuals and those in distress, and report any issues to the New York Police Department. Sliwa hopes the group’s return will inspire New Yorkers to be more proactive and intervene in crisis situations.
The move comes after Governor Kathy Hochul announced the deployment of 750 National Guard members and 250 MTA Police officers to the subway system in anticipation of an increase in violence during the holiday season. Despite this, the Guardian Angels sees a need to increase their own presence and trainings to meet the current threat.
