Everyone deserves to feel safe when walking or biking in our city. Our streets should be safe, smart, and built for people—not just cars. We will re-envision our streets by creating more pedestrian-only zones and redesigning high-risk intersections. In collaboration with the NYC Department of Transportation, we will launch an urban redesign pilot program in neighborhoods with the highest rates of traffic injuries. This program will prioritize wide, well-lit sidewalks, clear crosswalks, and dedicated bike lanes that are actively enforced by local authorities. Additionally, to ensure accountability for rental bikes, we will work with companies and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to implement a GPS tracking system. This measure will not only help pinpoint incidents quickly but also promote responsible biking. By investing in these infrastructural improvements and innovative technology, we can create safer streets for all New Yorkers while supporting a vision of urban mobility that respects both pedestrians and cyclists.

Safety in our transit system is non-negotiable. I will work closely with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction to install protective bollards on all subway platforms. These safety features will provide an essential safeguard against accidental falls and intentional pushes, ensuring that riders can wait for their trains without fear. Recognizing that not every crisis on the subway requires a law enforcement response, we will also integrate mental health outreach teams into overnight shifts. Partnering with NYC Health + Hospitals and community mental health organizations, these teams will offer immediate support and triage services for individuals in distress. By combining physical infrastructure enhancements with a compassionate, health-centered response, we can create a transit environment where every rider feels secure, cared for, and valued. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to a safe, inclusive, and forward-thinking public transportation system.

Effective public safety is built on trust and transparency between the police and the communities they serve. I will advocate for a model of community policing that leverages data analytics and direct engagement. Working with the NYPD and the NYC Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, we will expand street patrol programs that emphasize foot patrols over car-based responses. Officers will be encouraged to engage directly with residents through regular community meetings, neighborhood advisory boards, and local events. This approach, informed by data from the NYC Open Data portal, will help identify high-risk areas and tailor interventions that respect the unique needs of each community. The goal is to transform policing from a force that is perceived as occupying to one that is trusted and collaborative. By building stronger relationships and utilizing data to drive proactive measures, we can create safer, more connected neighborhoods throughout our city.

We believe prevention is the strongest form of public safety. Our plan will invest in our future—our youth. We will expand after-school programs, open community centers into the evening, and offer wrap-around services that include counseling, job training, and education. Working with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, we’ll provide clear, accessible support that stops criminal behavior before it starts. At the same time, we will reform outdated policies that unfairly target communities of color. We will push for policy reforms that reduce reliance on cash bail and support clean slate initiatives for individuals reentering society. By shifting our focus from punitive measures to supportive interventions, we can help break cycles of criminalization and build resilient, empowered communities. This comprehensive approach not only protects our youth but also lays the foundation for safer neighborhoods through education, opportunity, and community engagement.

Hate crimes, including the recent spike in anti-Asian, anti-Semitic, and anti-LGBTQ incidents, have no place in New York City. I will champion a dual approach that combines rigorous enforcement with preventative education. Working with the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, we will ensure that hate crimes are investigated thoroughly and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Simultaneously, we will invest in extensive training programs for first responders, educators, and community leaders to recognize, prevent, and address hate-based incidents. In partnership with the NYC Department of Education, we will integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion education into school curriculums to foster a culture of acceptance from an early age. By confronting hate head on—through both strong legal action and community empowerment—we can reaffirm that New York City remains a vibrant, inclusive melting pot where every individual is respected and valued. This initiative is central to building safer, more unified neighborhoods across our city.

Rising incidents of random violence often stem from unresolved mental health crises and a lack of accessible support. To break this cycle, I propose a comprehensive strategy that shifts our focus from punitive measures to proactive care to effectuate a reduction in crime through prevention. In partnership with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, we will expand mobile mental health outreach teams—such as an enhanced B-HEARD and SHOW program—to intervene in real time. These teams will be equipped to provide on-site assessments and immediate assistance, ensuring that individuals who decline services at first are gently encouraged and guided toward the help they need. By integrating our public safety approach with robust mental health support, we can reduce repeat incidents and foster community resilience. This strategy also includes investing in crisis stabilization centers and supportive housing options for those in need, ensuring that care extends beyond the moment of crisis and into long-term recovery and stability.

Our city faces a critical mental health crisis that directly impacts public safety. Building on my HEAL NYC platform, I will work with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to transform how we respond to mental health emergencies. This comprehensive initiative will double the number of supportive housing units available for those experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges, ensuring that individuals have access to stable, dignified living conditions. We will enhance the training of 911 operators and first responders to ensure that mental health professionals are dispatched to crises whenever appropriate. By integrating mobile outreach programs and crisis stabilization units into our emergency response system, we can provide immediate, expert care rather than defaulting solely to law enforcement intervention. This re-prioritization of funding will shift our city’s approach from reactive policing to proactive, compassionate mental health care, ultimately creating a safer, healthier New York for all residents.