New York City isn't standing still in the wake of the two recent bombings on London's Underground. The NYPD introduced a new policy of random searches of bags and packages on New York's subway, buses and commuter rail lines.
City officials say the plan was being worked on for several weeks but the recent terrorist attacks on London speeded up the implementation of the new policy.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg explained that the searches are a necessary evil. 'Are [the searches] intrusive?' Bloomberg asked rhetorically. 'Yes, a little bit. But we live in a world where, sadly, these kinds of security measures are necessary.'
Most New Yorkers accepted the searches although some objected to the inconvenience. The New York chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union immediately voiced its objection to the new policy.
'Random searches of people without the suspicion of wrongdoing are contrary to our most basic constitutional values,' explained Christopher Dunn, associate legal director of the New York Civil Liberties Union. 'This is a very troubling announcement.'
As of right now, the searches are going ahead. This is yet another way the reality of the threat of terrorism has changed the everyday lives of many Americans.
