Mayor Eric Adams has unveiled new public safety initiatives and appointments.

Adams made the announcement while addressing the media, emphasizing the city’s commitment to public safety and the ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing crime in New York City.

“First of all, good afternoon. Good to see folks. Before we open up to any questions, I say it over and over again each week. It’s about keeping New Yorkers safe. And it’s what the New York City Police Department, with their amazing team, continues to do every day,” he stated at the onset of the meeting.

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The mayor noted that despite recent investigations capturing public attention, his deputy mayors are still actively engaged in their duties. “I need my deputy mayors doing their jobs. Once things normalize more, they will be back here sitting down, dealing with some of the items that are important to all New Yorkers that we hear every day,” he remarked, reaffirming the administration’s focus on public safety.

Highlighting the success in crime reduction within the subway system, Mayor Adams shared, “Every day we work to make this city safer… since January, we have witnessed a 5 percent year-to-date decrease in subway crime.” Stressing the importance of this issue, he added, “New York City is the safest big city in America. My goal is to make New York City the safest city in America.”

In addition to addressing crime, the mayor underscored the administration’s efforts to assist those experiencing severe mental health challenges. The Partnership Assistance for Transit Homelessness initiative, known as PATH, was launched to connect unhoused individuals in the subway system with essential services. “No one should be using the subway system as a place where they are living. That just should not happen. And it’s not going to happen,” the mayor asserted.

The briefing also touched on affordable housing initiatives and a recent $48 million investment from the Biden administration aimed at addressing lead exposure in privately owned water lines. “This program will save eligible property owners at least ten thousand dollars on replacement costs and will prevent lead exposure for their families,” he explained.

In a significant appointment announcement, Mayor Adams named Chauncey Parker as the new Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, highlighting his extensive experience in law enforcement. “Chauncey has been a leader in this area for over 40 years of law enforcement experience to run our Public Safety apparatus,” he stated. Mona Suazo was also appointed as his deputy, recognized for her commitment to public safety and her work with immigrant communities.

Deputy Mayor Parker expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “In my almost 40 years of working in criminal justice, I think the most important thing I’ve learned is what is your North Star? And that is the power of partnership.” He elaborated on the crucial initiatives they would be focusing on, including the Gun Violence Strategies Partnership and the Saturday Night Lights program, which aims to keep gyms open in underserved communities on Saturday nights.

As the press briefing concluded, Mayor Adams engaged with reporters, addressing questions regarding ongoing investigations and appointments within his administration. He reiterated his confidence in the current leadership, stating, “I think that whomever is employed by the City of New York is going to do their job, and I expect that of them as well.”

The mayor also addressed concerns regarding the Elizabeth Street Garden, emphasizing the need for affordable housing while ensuring that green spaces are preserved. “Housing must be a right in every space in the city,” he concluded.

The session encapsulated the administration’s ongoing commitment to public safety, mental health support, and affordable housing, alongside the announcement of key leadership changes designed to enhance the city’s public safety strategies.