Panic Push

Panic buttons are coming to New York City:

The panic buttons, to be installed by SilentShield, will connect directly to the NYPD‘s central command center. This direct link bypasses traditional 911 dispatchers, potentially reducing police response times during emergencies. Crime in New York City has continued to be a serious issue since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the city housing tens of thousands of illegal immigrants, some of whom have been arrested in high-profile incidents. For instance, The National Pulse reported on May 5 that three illegal immigrant Tren de Aragua gang members were arrested on Sunday over their involvement in an assault on police in Times Square.Other recent violent events have also underscored the urgency of the program. Just this past Saturday, a 33-year-old man was fatally stabbed inside a Harlem bodega. Last month, a group impersonating NYPD officers assaulted and robbed a store in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. In March, another Harlem bodega worker suffered a knife attack during an attempted robbery.The United Bodegas of America (UBA) has long advocated for such measures. This new initiative builds on a previous pilot program that implemented 50 panic buttons, though it faced criticism over inconsistent police response times.NYPD Chief of Department John Chell praised the new system, stating it provides “peace of mind” and serves as a “crime prevention tool.” He emphasized that the technology aids in quick responses and helps officers remain safe during potentially violent situations.

At least they can panic while they wait...