CRIME
Volunteer Group Guardian Angels Return to Patrol NYC Subways
New York, USATue Dec 31 2024
Ever heard of the Guardian Angels? They're a group of volunteers who help keep New York City's subways safe. After a scary incident where a woman was set on fire on a train, they've decided to start patrolling again. The group's founder, Curtis Sliwa, says they'll be checking on people who seem troubled or homeless, too.
Subway crimes aren't super common, but some types, like homicides, have increased. New York City has also seen more new migrants since last spring. Sometimes, local police can't work with immigration officers due to city rules. The man accused of the fire, Sebastian Zapeta, is an undocumented immigrant who was deported before.
Sliwa thinks people didn't help during the incident because they were scared. He wants everyone to speak up if they see something wrong. The Guardian Angels want to be a visible presence, like they were in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. They're growing their numbers again, just like they did back then.
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questions
What is the long-term plan for the Guardian Angels to sustain their increased presence on the subway system?
What are the potential legal and ethical implications of privately funded law enforcement groups like the Guardian Angels?
How do the actions of the Guardian Angels influence public perception of safety in the subway system?
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