The city is set to invest $1.6 million to install panic buttons in numerous bodegas, following a recent violent incident at a deli, as announced by Mayor Eric Adams on Sunday.
During a press conference held outside Pamela Green Deli in the Bronx, members of the United Bodega Association indicated that up to 500 of these devices will be rolled out in stores located in areas with high crime rates over the next few weeks.
These panic buttons will connect directly to the NYPD’s central command, eliminating the normal 911 call process, which is aimed at speeding up response times.
Adams emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We’re not only connecting directly with the police to avoid cats that are trying to avoid rats, but to keep dangerous cats trying to steal our store.” He insisted that the specific delis equipped with these buttons will remain confidential.
He further noted, “Who knows who actually has the device or not. It adds to the element of ubiquitousness and surprise we are looking for,” reinforcing the idea that this effort aims to enhance safety. “For those who actually have panic buttons and direct communication to the police. But secondly, the element of surprise—500 of these devices across the city.”
Last month, the UBA called for additional measures following two deadly altercations in Bronx delis.
A pilot program was previously launched in June by the UBA and a public-safety tech company, Saferwatch, which saw 50 panic buttons installed in bodegas, particularly in designated high-crime districts. However, there were concerns that the integration with police operations wasn’t adequate, leading to lagging response times, according to critics.
One local worker described the challenges and ongoing dangers, saying, “These pockets, we all know—trains, taxis, bodegas. We are an easy target.” Despite assurances from various officials, the violence persisted.
A worker from Pamela’s Green Deli, Erisoto, highlighted the necessity of these devices for safety, mentioning, “Nearby, there’s a lot of crime…They’re killing people, they’re stealing.”
Aassim Kadeem, who works nearby, shared his concerns about gang violence in the area, explaining, “It’s a little scary here.” He pointed out that anyone could potentially become a burglar, adding, “I hope it will work. That’s the main thing—just time, time, time.” He reflected on how response times can stretch significantly, noting it can take police 10 to 15 minutes to arrive, emphasizing how critical those moments can be.
Soto echoed these sentiments, describing slow police response times in his district and expressing hope that the panic button could lead to faster help, saying, “If you press the panic button, the police will come.”
