Drones used to track surfers, leading to decrease in fatalities
November 29, 2023The NYPD is using drones to combat subway surfing, and the top transit cop says the program has caught four surfers, including a 12-year-old. Drones are being used to spot people climbing on top of subway trains on elevated lines, according to NYPD transit chief Michael Kemper. The drone program has helped stop four subway surfers, including a 12-year-old. The transit chief did not provide details on which lines were being monitored or how many drones were being used. Subway surfing has been a deadly issue in recent years, with 928 people found riding outside a subway car last year. So far this year, five teenagers have died in suspected subway surfing incidents. The MTA and NYPD have launched a public service campaign and made juvenile arrests for subway surfing. The transit chief is pleased to report that the school year has started without any surfing-related injuries or fatalities.