Should There Be Permanent Police Presence At The Babylon Station?

BABYLON, NY - A local official hosted a rally last week to demand permanent police presence at the Babylon train station.

Assemblyman Mike LiPetri (R-Massapequa) held the rally at the LIRR station on Railrooad Avenue just south of Deer Park Avenue Friday evening following reports of homelessness, harassment, intimidation and stalking of riders.

LiPetri, along with several supporters, asked Governor Andrew Cuomo and/or MTA Chairman Pat Foye to appoint a permanent MTA police presence to thwart these issues.

Last month, the MTA began additional police patrol between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. The additional police presence comes after local officials and residents requested that officers patrol the area due to an increase in crime in the area.

But that isn't enough, rallyers claim. Several protesters were seen holding signs reading 'Prioritize Long Island.'

"The police should have been here at Babylon train station," LiPetri told GreaterBabylon. "Only when the union made its voices heard, did the MTA back down. And now the Long Island community will be heard."

What do you think?