Allan J. Fromberg (212) 676-1013 (TLC)
MAYOR GIULIANI, TLC AND POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCE CABWATCH - ANTI-CRIME
INITIATIVE FOR NYC TAXICABS
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced the kick-off of CAB WATCH, a new pilot anti-crime initiative that will place 911-only capable wireless telephones into the hands of New York City taxicab drivers, allowing them to report a possible crime in progress, or an emergency situation requiring Police Department, Fire Department or emergency medical response.
The Mayor was joined by Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) Chairperson Diane McGrath-McKechnie, Police Commissioner Howard Safir, CAB WATCH President Jason Diaz, and Jeff Locke, New York Metropolitan Area Vice President of Sprint PCS -- a corporate sponsor of CAB WATCH -- for the announcement today at City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
"It is truly admirable that civic-minded individuals, such as those involved in CAB WATCH, have worked so hard, and on their own time, to provide more eyes and ears for our Police and Fire Departments," said Mayor Giuliani. "While our strategies and initiatives have resulted in historic drops of crime, and New York City is now the safest large City in the United States, we have more work to do in building on these successes, and initiatives like CAB WATCH will help us do that work."
CAB WATCH, a not-for-profit organization, is the brainchild of Diaz, who sought to expand on the popular civilian block watch concept by utilizing the resource of taxicab drivers who are out on streets of New York City 24 hours a day, seven days a week, building on the reductions in crime already achieved by the Giuliani Administration. Through private donations of wireless telephones and funds for operating expenses, the organization will provide telephones, training manuals, identification cards and magnetic bumper signs for each of the drivers participating in the program. Initially, CAB WATCH has been designed as a pilot program with approximately 50 participants.
The next steps include the Taxi and Limousine Commission's official adoption of protocols for drivers participating in the CAB WATCH program, and the Police Department's training of those drivers selected for the pilot program. The drivers' training will include ways of determining if a 911 emergency call is necessary, and exactly what information is needed in reporting the situation. CAB WATCH participant involvement will be strictly limited to the observation and reporting of crimes in progress, fires or other emergency situations.
Once the 3 to 6 month pilot program is completed, a planned expansion for the program will include neighborhood livery vehicles as well as medallion taxicabs.
"As I have said in the past, New York City taxicab drivers are caring, concerned individuals who are very willing to help New York City in any way they can," said TLC Chairperson Diane McGrath-McKechnie. "CAB WATCH presents these drivers with a unique opportunity to make a difference, and help build on the foundation of an already safer New York City."
Police Commissioner Howard Safir said, "The New York City Police Department is proud to take part in a new and innovative program, CAB WATCH. New York City cab drivers have a reputation for being smart and savvy New Yorkers but driving a cab in New York can sometimes put drivers in vulnerable positions. Equipping them with wireless phones will enable them to call 911 and will do much to reduce any risks."
Founder and President of CAB WATCH Jason Diaz said, "It has always been my passion to combine the strengths of the public and private sectors to help address the problems that affect us all. CAB WATCH is the product of this vision thanks to the hard work and support of the City of New York, Sprint PCS, and over thirty volunteers, many of whom work for the management consulting firm Monitor Company."
Jeff Locke, New York Metropolitan Area Vice President of Sprint PCS said, "Sprint PCS is proud to offer our technology for a cause that truly benefits all New York City residents and visitors."
The pilot portion of the program is expected to officially begin between March and April, 1998, with driver selection and training to commence within the next few weeks.
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