Friday, March 29, 2024

Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission File Statement of Interest in Hotel Room Algorithmic Price-Fixing Case

 

Statement of Interest Explains That Hotel Companies Cannot Use Algorithms to Evade Antitrust Laws

The Justice Department joined by the Federal Trade Commission (collectively the “Agencies”), filed a statement of interest with the District of New Jersey in the case of Cornish-Adebiyi v. Caesars Entertainment, which explains that hotels cannot collude on room pricing and cannot use an algorithm to engage in practices that would be illegal if done by a real person.

Companies across the economy are increasingly using algorithms to determine their prices. When a small group of algorithm providers can influence a major segment of a market, competitors are better able to use the algorithm provider to facilitate collusion. This risk is even greater as markets have become more concentrated across a wide range of industries. Algorithms that recommend prices to numerous competing hotels make it harder for travelers to comparison-shop for the best rate.

In their statement, the Agencies highlight two key aspects of competition law. First, plaintiffs do not need to identify direct communications between competitors to allege an agreement under Section 1 of the Sherman Act, particularly when they allege that an algorithm provider that works with the competitors is acting in concert with them. Competitors cannot lawfully cooperate to set their prices, whether via their staff or an algorithm, even if the competitors never communicate with each other directly. Second, an agreement to use shared pricing recommendations, list prices or pricing algorithms is still unlawful even when co-conspirators retain some pricing discretion. Setting or recommending initial starting prices can still violate the antitrust laws even if those are not the prices that consumers ultimately pay.

The Agencies have a strong interest in protecting consumers from algorithmic collusion, and their statement provides guidance to any firm that uses an algorithm to set prices. The Agencies recently filed a statement of interest in an algorithmic price-fixing case in the residential housing market, and the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division filed a statement of interest and memorandum of law in another real estate algorithmic price-fixing case last year. The division also has an ongoing case alleging that a middleman orchestrated a yearslong conspiracy to share pricing and other sensitive information among meat processing competitors.

U.S. Attorney Announces $3.1 Million False Claims Act Settlement With Radiology Company And Its CEO For Fraudulent Billing Practices

 

The Radiology Group and Its CEO Admit They Failed to Ensure That U.S.-Based Radiologists Conducted a Meaningful and Adequate Review of Draft Reports Prepared by Contractors in India Before Sending Findings to Health Care Providers

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Naomi Gruchacz, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”); Brian J. Solecki, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Field Office of the U.S. Department of Defense - Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (“DCIS”); and Christopher Algieri, the Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Field Office of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (“VA OIG”), announced that the United States has settled a civil fraud lawsuit against THE RADIOLOGY GROUP LLC and its CEO, ANAND LALAJI.

THE RADIOLOGY GROUP is a teleradiology company based in Atlanta, Georgia, that provides diagnostic radiology services to hospitals, urgent care centers, and primary care physician centers located across the country.  The settlement resolves claims that THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI violated the False Claims Act by fraudulently billing federal health care programs when the U.S.-based radiologist just “rubber stamped” interpretation reports prepared by contractors in India who were not permitted to practice medicine in the United States or bill federal health care programs.  The Government further alleges that THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI misrepresented who actually rendered the radiology services when seeking payments and improperly sought reimbursement for services furnished entirely by persons located outside of the United States in violation of applicable statutes and regulations.

Under the settlement approved by U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres, THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI will pay a total sum of $3.1 million, of which $2,678,387.21 will be paid to the United States with the remainder being paid to various states.  As part of the settlement, THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI also made extensive factual admissions regarding their conduct.  Among other things, THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI admitted that they failed to ensure that their U.S.-based radiologists were conducting a meaningful and adequate review of draft interpretations of radiology scans prepared by India-based contractors.  THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI also admitted that, on numerous occasions, they submitted claims to federal health care programs where the radiologist who reviewed and interpreted the imaging was someone other than the individual listed on the claim for reimbursement.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The Radiology Group failed to put in place appropriate safeguards to ensure that their U.S.-licensed radiologists adequately reviewed non-credentialed contractors’ findings before transmitting the reports to physicians who relied on the findings to make patient care decisions.  This Office is committed to holding healthcare providers accountable when they violate clear rules and regulations designed to ensure the integrity of taxpayer funded healthcare programs and protect patient quality of care.”

HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz said: “As part of the settlement, The Radiology Group and Anand Lalaji admitted that they failed to ensure that their U.S.-based radiologists were conducting a meaningful and adequate review of draft radiology interpretation reports.  Defendants potentially jeopardized patients’ health by taking shortcuts when it came to ensuring that important radiological tests were done and reviewed properly.  Individuals and entities that participate in the federal health care system are required to obey the laws meant to preserve the integrity of program funds and the provision of appropriate, quality services to patients.”

VA OIG Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri said: “The VA OIG is dedicated to ensuring veterans receive the quality health care they deserve, and we will continue to work to make certain that VA healthcare programs are not compromised by fraudulent billing practices.  The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts in this investigation.”

As alleged in the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court: 

Diagnostic radiology involves the diagnosis of diseases and injuries using imaging techniques, such as Computed Tomography scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and ultrasounds. Radiologists review the generated images and prepare written reports summarizing their findings (an “Interpretation Report”).  Health care providers rely on these Interpretation Reports when diagnosing patient conditions and when making important decisions regarding patient medical care.

THE RADIOLOGY GROUP is a teleradiology practice that provides diagnostic radiology services to hospitals, urgent care centers, and primary care physician offices (the “Referring Providers”) located throughout the United States.  The Referring Providers transmitted imaging to THE RADIOLOGY GROUP so that THE RADIOLOGY GROUP could review the images and prepare Interpretation Reports.  Using online-based teleradiology platforms, THE RADIOLOGY GROUP sent the images to contractors located outside the United States, who would conduct initial reviews of the imaging and prepare draft Interpretation Reports.  After that process was complete, THE RADIOLOGY GROUP’s U.S.-based radiologists were supposed to conduct an independent and separate review of the imaging and make all necessary changes to the Interpretation Reports before transmitting them to the Referring Provider.  The final Interpretation Reports were signed by the U.S.-based radiologist, who was responsible for the Interpretation Report’s content.

THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI knew that contractors located in India who prepared draft Interpretation Reports were not permitted to practice medicine in the United States or bill federal health care programs.  Nevertheless, certain radiologists at THE RADIOLOGY GROUP merely “rubber stamped” the draft reports and transmitted them to the providers without conducting a meaningful and adequate review of the findings.  For instance, one radiologist (“Radiologist A”) approved, signed, and transmitted to providers over 100,000 Interpretation Reports and frequently approved draft CT scan reports in less than 30 seconds. 

THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI also understood that they were prohibited by federal health care program rules from submitting claims for reimbursement for radiology services if the radiologist listed as the rendering provider on the claim for reimbursement had not actually rendered the services.  THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI, however, consistently submitted, or caused to be submitted, claims for payment to federal health care programs that identified either LALAJI or the other owner of THE RADIOLOGY GROUP as the rendering provider, even though they had not in fact rendered the radiology services for which reimbursement was sought.  Further, on numerous occasions, THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI submitted, or caused to be submitted, claims for payment for diagnostic radiology services provided by a radiologist who resided and worked in the United Kingdom, in violation of relevant Medicare regulations. 

As part of the settlement, THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI admitted and accepted responsibility for certain conduct alleged by the United States, including the following:

  • THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI knew that they could not bill federal health care programs for the radiology services unless a U.S.-based and licensed radiologist reviewed all of the images associated with the scan, reviewed the Interpretation Report prepared by the individual in India, and made any necessary changes to the Interpretation Report.  However, there were some instances when this did not occur.
  • For example, THE RADIOLOGY GROUP employed a U.S.-based radiologist (“Radiologist A”) who repeatedly approved Interpretation Reports prepared by non-licensed individuals in India without reviewing relevant images associated with the scan and without conducting any meaningful review of the report or properly considering whether any changes needed to be made to it.
  • THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI failed to ensure that their U.S.-based radiologists were conducting a meaningful and adequate review of the draft interpretations of scans prepared by the non-licensed contractors in India.
  • On numerous occasions, THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI submitted claims to federal health care programs where the radiologist who reviewed and interpreted the imaging was someone other than the individual listed on the claim.
  • THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI understood that Medicare did not pay for medical services rendered by individuals located outside of the United States.  Nonetheless, on numerous occasions, THE RADIOLOGY GROUP and LALAJI submitted claims to Medicare for diagnostic radiology services rendered in the United Kingdom by a radiologist employed by THE RADIOLOGY GROUP who lived there. 

In connection with the filing of the lawsuit and settlement, the Government joined a private whistleblower lawsuit that had been filed under seal pursuant to the False Claims Act.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of HHS-OIG, DCIS, and VA-OIG, and thanked the Wisconsin Medicaid Fraud Control and Elder Abuse Unit for their extensive collaboration in the investigation and resolution of this case.

State Parks Reminds Boaters to be Cautious of Early Spring Cold Water

 

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OPRHP Cautions Pre-Season Boaters of Water Temperatures for Those Viewing the Eclipse

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) reminds boaters of the dangers of cold water if venturing out this spring for recreation or to view the rare total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. OPRHP recommends to boaters and paddlers that, even in the first few weeks of spring, the water is still very cold, and precautions should be taken.

“Even though the calendar has turned to spring, we recommend you protect yourself as the temperature fluctuates during the day, night and on our waterways,” said New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. “Our top priority is ensuring that New Yorkers and visitors are safe. Please wear a life jacket, insulated clothing and, for the solar eclipse, make sure to protect your eyes. Our park personnel are welcoming visitors from near and far and want it to be safe and memorable.”

State Parks and Historic Sites is hosting a range of events and activities to celebrate the rare total solar eclipse. All campsites that opened early along the path of totality have been filled. However, those patrons who may head to parks or onto bodies of water to experience the eclipse need to be aware as well.

“With spring beginning and the excitement of the eclipse, it can be easy to forget the unforgivable nature of the cold water,” said OPRHP Director of Marine and Recreational Services Alexi Howland. “Please make a few adjustments to your planning. We look forward to celebrating with you and having a safe and enjoyable day.”

OPRHP reminds park patrons to please keep in mind the following for safe boating:

  • Research the weather and water conditions before you go. Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature
  • Dress in layers and avoid wearing cotton
  • If you are on or near the water, wear your life jacket
  • If you are going out on a boat that is less than 21’ in length, you must wear a lifejacket, regardless of age (applicable between November 1 - May 1)
  • As always, use the buddy system, make sure someone knows your plans for the day
  • Carry your cell phone in a water-proof bag, bring a light, whistle or other sound producing device
  • Protect your eyes with specialized viewing glasses

Additionally, in 2024, all operators of motorized vessels born on or after January 1, 1978, need to carry a safe boating certificate while operating motorized vessels, including personal watercraft. Starting January 1, 2025, a safety certificate will be required of all operators, regardless of age. Both in-person and online options are available for earning a certificate. To learn more, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/boating/education.aspx.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on FacebookInstagramX (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog.

Cox: Heastie’s Comments Illustrate Democrats’ Moral Rot

 New NYSGOP logo 2023

NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement in response to Democrat Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s comment that “I just don’t believe raising penalties is ever a deterrent on crime:”

 

“Carl Heastie’s comments illustrate the Democrats' moral rot.

 

“A brave NYPD officer was just murdered in cold blood by a repeat felon previously arrested for gun possession. He should have been in jail and that officer and young father should still be alive. He would be if not for Democrats’ lenient bail and parole policies.”


MAYOR ADAMS RELEASES REQUIREMENTS, OPENS PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR RESPONSIBLE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TESTING IN NEW YORK CITY

 

DOT to Oversee Autonomous Vehicle Testing Through New Permit Program, With Trained Driver Behind Wheel at All Times 

 

Requirements Prioritize Safety in Testing and Use of Autonomous Vehicles 

 

Successful AV Program Could Increase Traffic Safety, Decrease Emission


New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today released robust safety requirements for responsible and safe autonomous vehicle (AV) testing in New York City, as well as announced the opening of applications for a new permit program. DOT has established a rigorous permitting program to ensure approved applicants are ready to test their technology in the country’s most challenging urban environment safely and proficientlyConsistent with state law, a trained safety driver will still be required to sit behind the wheel and be ready to take control of an AV-enabled vehicle at all times 

 

“New York City leads the nation in responsible innovation, and we’re continuing to do so with this new autonomous vehicle program,” said Mayor Adams. “Our streets are vibrant and energetic  and that’s a great thing, but it also means that we need to have strong guardrails and requirements in place on any sort of autonomous vehicles. That’s why we’re implementing these rigorous permit requirements and requiring close collaboration with DOT and our emergency responders, so we can ensure that autonomous vehicle technology works for New York City. This technology is coming whether we like it or not, so we’re going to make sure that we get it right. If we do, our streets can be safer, and our air could be cleaner.”  

 

 "Autonomous vehicles aren't just coming, they're here — they've been successfully operating across the country for years. We are doing our due diligence to get ahead of the AV revolution, and ensure that if AVs are coming, they do so within a framework that benefits New Yorkers, and creates training and good, upwardly mobile jobs in the autonomous industry," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi.  "It's been the story for too long that government can't keep up with private enterprise. No longer. With careful regulation, we believe that they have the potential to benefit a city as complex as New York.    

 

“As autonomous vehicle technology expands across the country, DOT is deploying a robust new permitting process to ensure safe, responsible testing on our city’s streets,” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. “Driver error and distraction plays an all-too-common role in traffic crashes, and autonomous vehicle technology offers potential to improve traffic safety. We look forward to working closely with AV companies that are serious about safely operating on America’s most challenging street network.”   

 

The city’s approach prioritizes safety and accountability in AV testing. As part of the approval process, applicants must submit information on their previous testing experience and technological capabilities, a detailed testing plan for New York City, and a safety plan describing key elements that will contribute to the safe operation of their technology on city streets.  

 

Companies must also follow industry best practices related to the recruitment and training of the safety drivers that must be present in the vehicle during testing. Additionally, applicants must obtain approval from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles before starting an on-street testing program. The intent of this program is to create a roadmap for a collaborative future of AV testing and potential deployment in New York City, one in which AV companies work closely with the city to support a vision for a safe, sustainable, equitable, and efficient transportation system for all.    

 

As part of the city’s safety protocols, applicants must provide details on how their test operators are selected and trained, and attest that they will follow recent best practices from the Society of Automotive Engineers. These practices include background checks for test operators, appropriate training on the vehicle systems they will be testing, and working conditions and frequent breaks that will keep them focused on the job and avoid distraction. Applicants must also certify that the vehicles will follow all traffic laws and curb regulations and include safety assurance protocols for how the operator will compensate for any AV system limitation or failure and proactively intervene to avoid potential crashes.  

 

Applicants will be required to coordinate closely with DOT through regular meetings and data reporting, as well as to engage with the New York City Police Department and the Fire Department of the City of New York on how their autonomous vehicles interact with emergency vehicles. Companies must also certify that they are adhering to industry best practices related to cybersecurity. 

 

Applicants will additionally be required to provide a detailed overview of the level of automation and safety performance of their AV technology, including previous testing and crash histories of their AV technologyFurther, applicants will have to provide a list of all current or past permits to test their technology in any local, state, or foreign government agency.  

 

DOT will meet regularly with program participants in the lead-up to and during testing to assess testing plans, identify potential challenges, and monitor compliance with the terms of the permit. Participants in the testing program will be required to report testing data, including incidents where test drivers take control over from the AV technology, on a regular basis.  

 

“Waymo has had a longstanding relationship with New York City, where we have previously manually driven and tested for winter weather,” said Michelle Peacock, global head of public policy, Waymo. “We commend this important step, as well as the city’s ongoing commitment to drive innovation and deliver transportation improvements for New YorkersAs the world’s leading autonomous vehicle ride hailing company, Waymo looks forward to continuing our partnership with Mayor Adams and his administration as we continue to safely bring our technologies to more cities and communities across the country.” 

  

54th Annual Herbert H. Lehman Memorial Lecture at Lehman College with Fat Joe and Ruben Diaz Jr.

 

On Tuesday, March 26, former Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz, Jr. joined famous rapper Fat Joe, to headline the 54th Annual Herbert H. Lehman Memorial Lecture at Lehman College. Diaz Jr. worked his way up from being an alumnus of Lehman College to become a successful elected official, while Fat Joe worked his way up in the streets of the South Bronx to become famous in the music industry and to become a rich entrepreneur, the two being friends as they both grew up.  

This sit-down by the two recanting moments from their history was to show no matter how big you get, do not forget the beginnings where you came from. The two friends would look up into the audience at the middle school, high school, and even Lehman College students in the audience to say look at us, you too can be like us if you try. Ruben Díaz, Jr., began by saying, “I’m so honored and thrilled to be here, speaking with my good friend Fat Joe and I hope we can provide some insight, advice and encouragement as you begin to shape your futures.”   

Díaz Jr. Who currently works as the senior vice president of Strategic Initiatives at Montefiore Einstein Hospital, welcome his friend the hip-hop legend, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Fat Joe who said, “I don’t know if people really, truly understand it when I say that my family was poor — I mean, we were dirt poor, even with my mom working three jobs at the same time.” Fat Joe, whose real name is Joseph Cartagena, a Grammy-nominated recording artist, grew up in the Forest NYCHA projects in the South Bronx.  

Fat Joe and Diaz Jr. spoke of how Fat Joe donated computers to PS 146 and had a contest between classes in four schools where each student in the winning class that improved the most in their grades, attendance, and citizenship would win a pair of Air Jordan sneakers. It worked so well that all four classes participating had major improvements in all areas. The two then spoke of providing food and other essential items to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, where Fat Joe called his friend P-Dity to help pay the cost of $255,000.00 to fly the three cargo containers to Puerto Rico. Fat Joe also intends to provide assistance to improve the current crisis in Haiti.   

Fat Joe said, “Our students need proper tools and resources to be able to compete, “that is the reason I’m all about philanthropy because I came from a family of giving — even when we were poor ourselves and didn’t have much to offer.” Díaz, Jr. and Fat Joe, whose friendship stems more than 25 years, co-named this year’s lecture, “Hip Hop with a Heart / The Civic Mind of the Bronx.”  

The talk was followed by a question-and-answer segment where students and others in attendance were given the opportunity to ask questions about Ruben Díaz, Jr. and Fat Joe’s life paths to success and their experiences of growing up in the South Bronx. 

There was musical entertainment provided by DJ Sam before and after the Lecture. 


Fat Joe and Ruben Diaz Jr. were talking about how they grew up in the South Bronx, and how they both made their mark in their own way.


Fat Joe explains "we had this much food and other items to send to Puerto Rico that we needed a plane to fly everything down there."


During the question and answer period of the lecture Ruben Diaz Jr. led the conversation of his friendship with Fat Joe.


Students were invited backstage to take a photo with Fat Joe and Ruben Diaz Jr.


Another group of students got their picture with Fat Joe and Ruben Diaz Jr.


This lucky woman got Fat Joe to autograph his book for her.

Thursday, March 28, 2024

MAYOR ADAMS, NYPD COMMISSIONER CABAN TO PILOT NEW TECHNOLOGY, ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL CLINICIANS TO BE DEPLOYED IN SUBWAYS

 

New Technology to Detect Weapons to Be Piloted 90 Days After Publication of Impact and Use Policy as Required by Law 

 

City to Begin Hiring Clinicians to Support Expansion of SCOUT Pilot Program to Help Untreated Severe Mental Illness with $20 Million State Investment 

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Edward A. Caban today announced efforts being taken to make the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (MTA) subway system safer by investing in new technology to detect firearms, as well as invest in more clinicians that will help those suffering from severe mental illness in the nation’s largest subway system. The city is exploring, and will soon begin pilotingemerging technologies designed to detect weapons carried by travelers into the transit systemIn accordance with the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) Act, the NYPD also published online its Impact and Use Policy for electromagnetic weapons detection systems, starting a mandatory 90-day waiting period before new technology can be tested and used in New York City. Additionally, Mayor Adams announced that the city will begin hiring clinicians to support the expansion of the Subway Co-Response Outreach Teams (SCOUT), a pilot program launched in partnership with the state and the MTA to connect people with untreated severe mental illness in the subways to mental health treatment and care. 

 

“Keeping New Yorkers safe on the subway and maintaining confidence in the system is key to ensuring that New York remains the safest big city in America,” said Mayor Adams. “Today’s announcement is the next step in our ongoing efforts to keep dangerous weapons out of our transit system and to provide greater mental health services for New Yorkers in crisis. By kicking off a 90-day waiting period to test electromagnetic weapons detection systems here in New York City and hiring more clinicians for SCOUT, we are showing our administration’s dedication to keeping all New Yorkers safe.” 

 

“Since the start of my administration, Mayor Adams and I have worked together closely to keep the subways safe for all New Yorkers,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “This month, I announced a five-point plan to improve safety in the subways, including dedicating $20 million to expand the SCOUT program, which will help more New Yorkers receive the treatment they need. The new technology announced today builds on our existing commitments to place cameras throughout the system and will help law enforcement keep dangerous weapons out of the system.”  

 

People with untreated serious mental illness taking refuge in the subway system deserve safety, stability, and community,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-IsomThe journey to this destination takes time, but the first step is often the hardest: connecting a person with medical care that they may not recognize they need. This is the critical mission of our SCOUT teams. Through a co-response model, SCOUT empowers our caring clinicians to engage with New Yorkers in crisis, assess their needs, and respond accordingly. We are heartened by the results so far, excited for the possibilities with this expansion, and grateful to our MTA partners for their shared determination to get this right. 

 

“The brave men and women of the NYPD are averaging more than 4,500 gun arrests a year since the start of this administration and have taken well over 15,000 illegal firearms off New York City streets so far,” saidNYPD Commissioner Caban. “At the same time, overall crime in our transit system continues to trend downward as our officers actively engage lawbreakers each day and night. To make these achievements meaningful for all New Yorkers, however, we must make safety a reality in every community we serve, on every train line we protect. We are doing that by remaining laser-focused on the relatively small number of people who commit violent crimes, by deploying our resources effectively, by maximizing the utility of new technology, and by constantly evaluating our performance in a relentless effort to do even better.” 

 

“Riders have to feel safe when riding the subways and that requires innovation — new weapons detection technology, but also increased deployments of police, tougher handling of repeat offenders by the criminal justice system, and expanded resources for mental health,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Thankfully, Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul get it and continue to fight for the millions of people who rely on the transit system.” 

 

During the 90-day waiting period, the NYPD will be working to identify companies with proven expertise in weapons detection technology. At the end of the waiting period, a pilot program will be instituted in some subway stations where the NYPD will be able to further evaluate the equipment’s effectiveness. 

 

As of Sunday, March 24, 2024, NYPD officers have seized a total of 450 weapons — including 19 illegal guns — in the New York City transit system this year, compared to 261 weapons — including nine guns — during the same period last year. The NYPD also seized 1,515 weapons in the subway system in 2023, including 1,470 cutting instruments and 45 illegal firearms. That tally was a stark increase from the previous year, when 947 total weapons were seized, including 912 cutting instruments and 35 guns. 

 

Last month, Mayor Adams directed the NYPD to surge an additional 1,000 police officers into the subway system each day to keep help New Yorkers safe. Additionally, earlier this week, the NYPD announced Operation Fare Play, an initiative to ensure people pay their fare when entering the subway system by deploying 800 more police officers into the subway system to crack down on fare evasion. Through Sunday, overall crime in the transit system was down nearly 16 percent for the month of March, compared to the same month last year, adding to February’s 15.4 percent month-over-month decrease in crime in the subway system. Since the start of 2024, overall arrests in the subway system are up nearly 56 percent compared to last year, including a 78 percent increase in fare-evasion arrests and a 111 percent jump in gun arrests. 

 

Launched in October 2023, the SCOUT pilot program has operated with two teams in the subways focused on connecting those with untreated severe mental illness with mental health support and long-term careSCOUT teams are comprised of a clinician and two MTA police officers, and, in the 90 days of operation, the two teams have moved 90 individuals out of the subway system and into care. Earlier this monthGovernor Hochul announced a $20 million investment to scale this pilot and bring the total number of SCOUT teams to 10 by the end of 2025. With this investment from the state, the city will begin hiring additional clinicians to support the expansion of SCOUT and reach even more New Yorkers in need of care.