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Public Advocate Letitia James Calls For Stepped Up Action Against Sex Assaults On Subways

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Public Advocate Letitia James is aiming to make subways safer.

James held a news conference Friday to call for the NYPD and MTA to toughen up against sexual violations on the subway.

"Why is New York City not leading in terms of safety?" James asked. "The current classification of exposure is a violation. It's comparable to a traffic ticket."

She was joined by anti-sexual violence advocates Hollaback! and the Center for Anti-Violence Education.

Public Advocate Seeks Stepped Up Measures Against Sex Violations On Subway

They are seeking better training for officers, tougher sentences for offenders and are calling for more cameras to be installed in subway cars.

James said money from a recent Wall Street settlement could be used to pay for the cameras in subway cars, WCBS 880's Ginny Kosola reported. James also wants public service announcements urging victims and witnesses to take pictures and report crimes.

More than 3,000 sexual violations were reported between 2009 and 2013, 1010 WINS reported.

The 4, 5 and 6 subway lines had the most incidents.

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