Panic Buttons FORBIDDEN – NYC’s Bodegas!

New York City’s bodega workers face rising violence, with only 50 out of 25,000 shops equipped with potentially life-saving panic buttons that could provide direct access to police during emergencies.

At a Glance

• United Bodegas of America (UBA) is pushing for mandatory panic buttons in all NYC bodegas following deadly incidents
• Recent attacks have included fatal stabbings and shootings, with bodega workers quitting due to safety concerns
• Proposed panic buttons would alert police within seconds, bypassing call centers that delay response times
• Despite promises from officials, funding for the $3,000 annual panic button systems remains largely unavailable
• A “Bodega Act” bill in Albany and federal legislation seek to provide grants for security equipment

Rising Violence Threatens NYC’s Neighborhood Cornerstone

Bodega workers across New York City are facing an unprecedented wave of violence, with attacks reported in multiple boroughs. These small corner stores, which serve as community hubs in many neighborhoods, have become targets for violent crime including beatings, stabbings, and shootings. The United Bodegas of America (UBA) reports that the situation has deteriorated to the point where many employees have quit after witnessing violence firsthand.

In just 48 hours, two separate violent incidents occurred in Bronx bodegas, resulting in deaths that might have been prevented with faster emergency response. The violence is no longer confined to traditionally high-crime areas, with reports showing attacks spreading into more affluent neighborhoods. This expansion has bodega owners and workers increasingly concerned about their safety during daily operations.

Panic Buttons: A Potential Lifeline

The UBA has initiated a pilot program that installed panic buttons in 50 high-risk locations with support from digital security company SaferWatch. These devices can alert police and emergency services within two seconds, potentially saving lives during violent confrontations. However, with approximately 25,000 bodegas across the city, the current implementation represents less than 0.2% of establishments.

The proposed system would connect directly to NYPD command centers, allowing for real-time monitoring and rapid response. This direct connection represents a significant improvement over current emergency systems, which often route through call centers and delay police arrival. For workers facing imminent danger, these minutes can be the difference between life and death.

Financial Barriers and Political Promises

The primary obstacle to widespread adoption is cost. At approximately $3,000 annually per location, many bodega owners simply cannot afford to install these security systems without assistance. UBA president Fernando Mateo reports that despite promises from state and city officials, the necessary funding has not materialized. Governor Kathy Hochul passed protections for retail workers that included a $5 million tax credit for security measures, but bodega representatives say they have yet to see these funds.

“How many more people have to die before the city acts?” asked Fernando Mateo. “This bodega didn’t have a panic button, and one life was lost. Panic buttons should be in every store, and the NYPD must track them in real time. This isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.”

Legislative Solutions on the Horizon

Multiple legislative efforts are underway to address the security crisis. In Albany, a “Bodega Act” bill aims to provide grants specifically for installing panic buttons and surveillance equipment in vulnerable stores. 

At the federal level, NYC Representative Ritchie Torres has introduced legislation that would create federal grants to fund security equipment for bodegas nationwide. City Councilman Oswald Feliz has voiced support for investing $15 million in the panic button program.

“They know there are no consequences. Even if they are taken to jail, they are released without bail. We were more protected with Giuliani and with Bloomberg,” said Fernando Radhamés Rodríguez, addressing what he sees as the root causes of increased violence.

For the thousands of bodega workers who serve as the backbone of neighborhood retail in New York City, these potential solutions cannot come soon enough. As violence continues to threaten these community fixtures, the call for immediate action grows more urgent with each incident, highlighting the critical need for both protective technology and the funding to implement it across all five boroughs.