Recent events have highlighted escalating violence in public spaces and the controversial nature of police training practices. In Chicago, police are investigating an assault on a 62-year-old man on a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus, which occurred on December 16, 2025. The victim sustained serious injuries requiring extensive hospitalization. Authorities are searching for three teenage suspects linked to the attack, which has drawn attention to safety on public transit.

In New York, a series of violent incidents in the subway system has occurred despite claims of improved safety. On December 16, a 40-year-old man was stabbed multiple times on a southbound R train, following an argument with the assailant, who remains at large. This incident is part of a troubling pattern, as it follows Governor Kathy Hochul's announcement of a significant decrease in subway crime, attributed to increased surveillance and police presence. However, the recent uptick in violence raises questions about the effectiveness of these measures and the social issues that may be contributing to such incidents.

In response to these concerns, Governor Hochul has allocated an additional $77 million to maintain a police presence in the subway system through 2026, aiming to ensure safer travel for riders. This funding is intended to support over 600 officers daily and enhance patrols in areas identified as needing increased security.

Simultaneously, the practices employed in police training have come under scrutiny. At the Texas Game Warden Training Center, a physically aggressive role-playing exercise resulted in injuries to at least 13 cadets, including concussions and broken bones. Critics argue that such drills, often referred to as RedMan training, can lead to abusive practices and deter promising candidates from pursuing careers in law enforcement. Since 2005, similar training exercises have been linked to numerous injuries and fatalities across the United States.

Heather Sterling, a former recruit who suffered a concussion during training, has publicly criticized these methods, advocating for reforms to enhance safety and accountability within law enforcement training programs. The lack of standardized safety protocols during these exercises raises concerns about the potential for serious injuries or fatalities among recruits.

As public safety continues to be a pressing issue, the intersection of violent incidents in public spaces and the aggressive nature of police training practices underscores the need for comprehensive reforms aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of both the public and law enforcement personnel.