'The reason why I signed up': NYPD train patrol force aims to lower subway crime

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- After a string of high-profile subway crimes, finally, a positive sign. 

The NYPD says subway crime is down double-digits from last month, and they are giving a lot of credit to its newly expanded Train Patrol Force.  

As a Manhattan purse snatcher went on the run right before two rookie officers' eyes - they quickly were in pursuit last Friday night.  

"I observed the commotion, saw the purse snatch, and ran after him," said Officer Thomas Oggeri, who gave chase with partner Fransisco Pinho through a Lexington Avenue station.  

But the thief could not outlast these young and eager officers. 

Transit brass would like to think this collar was not a coincidence. It is their strategy paying off. 

"We were placed down here for all quality-of-life issues," said Officer Pinho. 

They are just two of 80 members of the newly expanded Train Patrol Force. 

"Crime on midnights has decreased substantially compared to crime in the overall system," said NYPD Transit Inspector Jonathan Bobin. 

The NYPD says index crime during the overnight commute is down 16% and attributes it to the mission: ride the trains, interact with passengers, and enforce the law. 

"Quality of life conditions: anyone smoking, drinking, passed out on the seats, give them assistance," explained Pinho. 

The cops turn out from Williamsburg Brooklyn every night from 8 pm to 7 am PIX11 News tagged along with them. 

"Officers being in the train car provides more relief than anyone knows," said Ins. Bobin. 

"They might be able to save someone's life," said commuter Phillip Casanova of Brooklyn. 

"Overall, it's a better environment than it was before," said commuter Natalie Hernandez. 

But the NYPD and MTA are up against a problem with perception - that the subway system is a dangerous place. With 472 stations citywide, the officers cannot be everywhere. 

"We use our data stats and complaints to see where the best place to deploy them is," said Ins. Bobin. 

Thursday night, these officers arrested a man urinating on the E train near West 4 Street. Turns out Kavier Lopez was also wanted for an attempted bank robbery in Koreatown last week and has a rap sheet dating back decades. 

"The reason why I signed up for this job was to make a difference," said Officer Oggeri.