Subway Performers Angry Over Arrest Increase

While the NYPD is cracking down on subway performers, advocates are fighting back. 

Subway performers and advocates held a rally today at City Hall protesting the increase of arrests of New York City subway performers. These dancers, singers, and other artists want the arrests to end. The performers are allowed to perform on the platform of a subway, but it is illegal to perform on the subway.

Police Commissioner Bill Bratton sees subway performances as a danger to passengers. Tackling the small crimes to prevent the bigger ones is Bratton's "Broken Windows" approach. But Andrew Saunders, who was arrested for dancing on the train, sees performing on the subway as part of New York City.

"We're bringing talent back to New York City," Saunders said. "People want to come and see us, not just me as a dancer, but also the musicians. This is New York City culture. It shouldn't be pushed away. It should be embraced."

Saunders also said that although it is legal to perform on the platform, the NYPD still arrests performers there. 

"That's why I don't want to dance on the platform," Saunders said. "I don't want to risk it. Because they don't read the rules. So they just arrest you."

About 200 performers have been arrested this year. Just 50 were arrested in the same period last year.