The NYPD is making themselves more present on school premises as violence and crimes surge around campuses in the city.
The recent shootings near schools have dramatically increased and caused serious concerns questioning the city's capacity to protect the safety of its people.
Chief of Department Jeff Maddrey recently issued an order mandating that all precinct commanders increase their youth coordination officer (YCO) units to six officers, with a sergeant assigned to supervise each unit.
NYPD is strengthening school safety
In response to the recent surge in violence and shootings in New York City, particularly involving young people, the NYPD has launched a program to support strengthening school safety.
According to the New York Post, this program, which former Mayor Bill de Blasio initially introduced, aims to have six YCOs in each precinct across the city's five boroughs.
To further enhance security, police officers have been pulled from their administrative duties and deployed to provide extra protection during school dismissals at at-risk schools.
This move, similar to the annual "Summer All Out" initiative, is meant to counteract the typical increase in shootings during warmer weather.
Chief of Patrol John Chell and Chief of Housing Martine Materasso will oversee the deployment of extra security personnel during school dismissals.
Police officers must enter schools and contact school safety officers or staff if none are assigned.
Additionally, Chief of Transit Michael Kemper has been instructed to ensure that the Transit District School Safety Teams are strategically deployed.
The decision to increase security measures comes on the heels of a shooting incident outside a Brooklyn high school, where two teens and a security guard were shot.
In another case, as reported by NBC News, a 5-year-old kindergarten student at Porter Elementary School in Syracuse, New York, was found with ammunition, a gun magazine, and a blade in his bag.
These incidents highlight the situation's urgency and the need for increased security measures to protect young people in and around schools.
Increased gun violence in NYC
The recent increase in shooting incidents and violence in New York City is a cause for concern, especially since the victims are predominantly young and mostly teenagers.
The situation has become so concerning that the NYPD has been deployed on numerous school campuses around the city to curb the rising gun violence.
As reported by The New York Times, the impact of violence on young people is significant and long-lasting. It can cause emotional and psychological trauma, disrupt educational progress and prospects, and even lead to physical harm.
Deployment of NYPD officers on school campuses is necessary to address the problem. However, it is only a short-term solution.
The root causes of the violence, such as poverty, lack of access to resources and opportunities, and lack of support systems, need to be addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of young people in the city.
The increasing gun violence in New York City is a serious issue that requires immediate attention and action.
The deployment of NYPD officers on school campuses is a step in the right direction, but it is only the beginning.
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