BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
MAY 18, 2017
Attendance:
J. Armer P K. Gurl P M. Silverman P P. Blake P J. Hessney E R. Sloane A J. Brown P E. McClure P J. Smith E E. Causil-Rodriguez P T. Miskel P M. Tannen P B. Chancey E M. Murphy P S. Tarpin E S. Cialek E R. Rigolli A U. Zimmerman A D. Gordon E E. Santogade P
P = present, E = excused, A = absent
***MINUTES***
Presentation and discussion with representatives for the Police Department on the Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCO) new community policing model recently implemented at the 76 th Precinct.
Four sections, each with an NCO team work with the squad to solve crimes and work with the community. There are two NCO’s per sector. Officer Damien Clarke covers one of the sectors (Ikea/Van Brunt). People uncomfortable calling 911 can contact the Neighborhood Coordination Officers.
Q: Elena Causil-Rodriguez asked if there is a rubric for addressing issues? A: Safety is prioritized. An NCO Officer oversees the team.
The program launched three weeks ago. Hours are flexible – can vary to address crime situations, e.g. Afternoon burglaries. Can be reached by phone/text/e-mail any time. Sector maps show coverage areas and Officers contact information. Might deploy officers on bikes during the summer – training for that. NCO teams get to know neighborhood, build relationships, create rapport. Increases public’s willingness to share information.
Jerry Armer said that the NCO program has the support of 1 Police Plaza. Elena asked: Why is that? Jerry said that 1 Police Plaza finally understands that community relationships are important.
Matt Silverman: NYPD website has an overview of the NCO program.
Jo Anne Brown: Does program extend past Warren Street?
Jerry Armer: No, it’s not in the 78th Precinct. Currently in about half of the precincts, expanding to more.
Matt Silverman: We’ll talk to the 78th Precinct about it.
Officer Clarke: Attitude has been that you only see cops when something bad happens. This is different.
Matt Silverman: Do you have relationships with youth organizations, reach kids in their formative years?
Officer Clarke: Doing some work with the Red Hook Justice Center. Additional outreach to schools.
Pauline Blake: What about seniors and senior centers? Seniors are often victims of crime.
Officer Lauren Maragni: We’ll eventually reach all the entities in the neighborhood.
Matt Silverman: How does it feel for the officers?
Officer Maragni: It’s different. Feels new.
Pauline Blake: What about summer activities?
Officer Clarke: We’ll adjust our schedules as necessary. If there is a basketball tournament at 3pm – we’ll be there.
Jo Ann Brown: There used to be the Police Athletic League. Will you interact with the children at things like that?
Officer Maragni: Absolutely. I’ll adjust my schedule to be there.
Officer Clarke: You have our contact information, please let us know about events. We will be meeting with restaurant and bar owners soon.
Kara Gurl: Reaching out to schools would be good.
Michael Tannen: How have bike lanes affected things?
Officer Clarke: Glad to have bike lanes. Cyclists also need to be responsible.
Officer Pitta: NCO Program has only been in place 3 weeks. We’ll adjust.
Jerry Armer: Also important to attend monthly community committee meetings.
Matt Silverman: Using your business relationships to encourage compliance with bike delivery issues would be helpful.
Pauline Blake: The issue is how people perceive Police officers. How will the NCO program further these relationships?
Officer Pitta: That’s the big benefit of the NCO program.
Officer Maragni: I try to get out of my car, walk around the park, interact with people.
Elena Causil-Rodriguez: Are you getting any special training?
Officer Maragni: We’re learning as we go. There is extra training.
Madelaine Murphy: Will you be getting body cameras?
Officer Maragni: We don’t know. Will help us do our jobs, document interactions.
Jerry Armer: the NCO program is working out almost everywhere it’s been tried.
A motion was made by Eric McClure to approve the minutes of the meeting held on March 16, 2017. Elena seconded the motion. It was approved with one abstention.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 7:21pm. The minutes were recorded by Eric McClure.