MTA announces increased police patrols on LIRR, Metro-North trains amid rise in crime

News 12 Long Island has learned extra police patrols are coming to Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North trains due to a rise in crime.
The MTA announced Monday that they will have officers ride on the train with passengers.
Starting in January, around 60 officers will start their day at 5 a.m. boarding LIRR and Metro-North trains, riding into the city during the early rush and then making the return trip during the evening.
According to the MTA, through the first half of 2022, major crimes on the LIRR were up by 71%.
Jerry Bringmann, chairman of the Long Island Rail Road Commuter Council, says the increased police presence is part of an effort to make the trains safer, which will hopefully encourage more people to return to riding the trains.
The MTA also says it will have officers with the Special Operations K-9 Unit and Emergency Services Unit on the platforms.