I'm in total shock about this. What. The. Fuck. From the Village Voice Blog: http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/archives/2009/04/court_mta_emplo.php

Court: MTA Employees Not Required to Stop Rape
By Emily Brady

To all the ladies who stand alone on a subway platform late at night, hoping that being within eyeshot of a station agent will make you somewhat safer from harm: You're wrong.

MTA employees have no responsibly to intervene if you happen to be attacked and raped right in front of them, a Queens judge effectively ruled on Tuesday when he threw out a lawsuit brought against the MTA, and a station agent and train conductor who witnessed a rape in the 21st St. G train station in June 2005.

Justice Kevin Kerrigan ruled that the conductor, Harmodio Cruz, and station agent, John Koort, took "prompt and decisive action" in summoning the police. The police did not arrive in time, however, to prevent the then-21-year-old victim from being raped twice after being dragged kicking and screaming past the station agent's booth as he watched. Her attacker escaped and has never been caught.

The victim called the decision "deplorable" today, and her lawyer Marc Albert told the Voice that they planned to appeal.

Here's the MTA's statement: "It is important to note that while NYC Transit workers are trained to the highest degree of professionalism in their assigned jobs, they are not and should not be expected to perform in the capacity of law enforcement officers." They added that "incidents of crime in the subways remain at historic lows."


EDIT: I think I should say that I do understand the ruling and the base need of the ruling. To me, I think I'm just in shock as to the personal/common sense element of this. Two men can most likely take another guy out...and most likely with the help of the woman being attacked. So essentially 3 or 2.5 against one. I'm just appalled that they didn't yell at the guy or anything, like other comments below stated. Plus, they called the command center instead of directly 911. If they called 911 immediately, the police may have arrived a lot sooner.

Is there some sort of website where I can check police activity in my borough? there was a big commotion in my building today and I would love to know what happened... cuz, you know, it would be nice to know if I lived in the same building as a murderer or something.
thanks new york!
and I sincerely hope every single one of you got outside today and enjoyed a frolick in the wonderful weather!

http://www.ny1.com/Default.aspx?ArID=92835

Despite a recent spike in cell phone robberies, the NYPD released statistics Monday showing overall crime in the city's subway system dropped three percent last year.

Police say cell phones were taken in more than a third of the robberies and are urging riders to be extra vigilant.

"If a rider is positioned near the door of the train car, often the bad guy waits until the train pulls into the station, and that's the person that they mark, and when that door opens up, the snatch or the grab is made of the phone, right out the door, onto the platform and gone," said NYPD Transit Bureau Chief James Hall.

The NYPD says it will work with transit officials to develop public service announcements warning subway riders to be more cautious.


Pay attention and stay safe NYers

The parents of a 25-year-old Columbia University student who disappeared two days ago are asking for the public's help.

Toby Cohen left his girlfriend's apartment Sunday evening, took $200 out of an ATM and traveled back to his Washington Heights home.

They are especially worried because he left his wallet and the medication he takes to control a life-threatening medical condition in his apartment. Anyone with information should call the 33rd Precinct, (212) 927-3200.

The link to the Daily News article, including a picture of Toby, is here.

Hey Everyone! I posted here last week about a friend's missing Maltese, Samantha.

I'm so happy to report that Samantha's been found!

I don't have all the details yet (partly because the police investigation is ongoing), but apparently, someone actually bought Samantha for $650 "on the street" over the weekend. WHUT. A couple of days later, they saw one of the stories about her being a hot dog and turned her in to the police. Now Samantha is home again, safe and sound, with Pam.

HUZZAH!

Thanks so much to everyone for their good vibes and support! ^_^

Does anyone know an online reference to local self-defense laws? Not gun stuff, I'm not packing and don't intend to. I'm asking for some guide as to what constitutes legitimate self-defense. Like, when can you legally use mace or punch someone, that kinda thing.

Putting this up at the request of a friend (click on the thumbnail for a larger picture):

Samantha My name is Samantha and I was stolen during a break-in at my home in Windsor Terrace on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 sometime between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. I’m an eight year old Maltese, spayed and weigh seven pounds. I have a brown nose and a tiny nick on the end of my tongue. I have had several teeth extracted and need additional dental work as soon as possible. I may be wearing a red leather collar with two vaccination tags on it. The person who took me also stole my bright yellow carrier. If you’ve seen me or know anything about me, please call 917-627-0292 or the Brooklyn 72nd Precinct at 718-965-6311. GENEROUS REWARD.

From Samantha's Person, Pam:

As most of y'all have already heard, my apartment was broken into yesterday afternoon (via fire escape) and my beloved Samantha was stolen. A police report has been filed and I'm spending the day tomorrow distributing flyers (see attached) and making calls to the media. If you're the praying type, please say one for Samantha and me. By the way, NOTHING else was stolen except Sammy and her carrier! Yeah, tell me about it. Even the police are stunned.

What the crap?! Any assistance will be very much appreciated. Please feel free to re-post. Thanks! ^_^

i assumed greenpoint was biker friendly.

i had my back tire slashed a few nights ago and it was locked with a friends who also had their back tire slashed.

what is the point of bike sabotage?

AND i know three people who had their bikes stolen in greenpoint.

i dont get it.

there was a post a few months ago where someone posted a website where you can track police and fire department activity in realtime through out the five boroughs... does anyone know the website?

i tried looking through the tags and couldn't find it.


Thanks!