New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced the permanent use of drones to combat the dangerous trend of subway surfing, which has resulted in six fatalities this year, including young teens. The NYPD has deployed nearly 1,000 drones, reportedly saving over 100 individuals. The drones are primarily used to monitor subway lines such as the J and 7, which are popular with subway surfers due to their elevated sections. Adams emphasized the role of social media in encouraging this behavior, noting efforts to engage young people through public service announcements. Although successful in many rescues, the initiative faces criticism due to continued deaths, which Adams compares to the preventative impact of seat belts. The program began as a pilot in November and became permanent in June, with officers using drone footage to educate parents about the dangers of subway surfing.