BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 19, 2017
Attendance:
J. Armer E K. Gurl A M. Murphy A P. Blake P J. Hessney P R. Rigolli A K. Broughton P J. Krause-Vilmar P E. Santogade P J. Brown P S. Lee P M. Silverman P B. Chancey P R. Lynn P R. Sloane A E. Cho P E. McClure P J. Smith A D. Gordon P T. Miskel P M. Tannen A
P = present, E = excused, A = absent
Guests:
R. Fridman
***MINUTES***
Public Safety Chair Matt Silverman called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
Committee members introduced themselves, and new members were welcomed.
Introduction of the 78th Precinct’s new NCO program and its officers.
Detective Brian Laffey, one of the 78th Precinct’s Community Affairs Officers, gave on overview of the new Neighborhood Coordination Officer program.
The program was officially launched in the 78th Precinct on October 17. NCOs have daily assignments in the community, and are assigned to sectors (A, B, C, D – see map). The program creates the opportunity for the community to get to know the officers, and vice versa.
NCOs will be boots on the ground, available to business owners and residents. A “more intimate policing” strategy.
NCOs have gone through specialized training. The training is broad-based, and included a section on handling mental-health issues.
Q: Committee member Jasmeet Krause-Vilmar noted that there appeared to be a gender disparity, with only two female officers among the eight 78th Precinct NCO’s.
A: The designated NCOs applied for the positions, and were chosen from a pool of applicants.
Designated NCOs are managing their sectors, but other officers are also working in the sectors. NCOs have the freedom to adjust their schedules based on what is going on in their sectors.
Barclays Center: the precinct is still learning how best to police the Barclays Center and the immediate area. While thankfully there have been no major crimes in connection with arena events, the precinct is well aware that there are many quality of life issues.
NCOs will be on foot, in cars, and also plan to get certified for bike patrol. The consensus among the NCOs is that being on foot and getting to know community members is their priority. They really want to hear from community members about neighborhood issues so they can be proactive in providing solutions.
Q: how will we find out about Sector meetings?
A: Meetings will be every three months, starting in early 2018. Residents and business owners can check BuildTheBlock.nyc to find a listing of sector meetings and events.
Q: What was your motivation for applying for the NCO role?
A: A desire to have an impact, really get to know people in the community and solve problems fully. As a regular patrol officer, you’re seeing people at their low points, after they’ve been robbed or assaulted. You’re a Band-Aid.
Q: What’s the term for NCOs?
A: The program has no expiration date. Officers will serve in the role until they get promoted or show that they can’t cut it.
Sector A (roughly west of 5th Avenue):
PO Joseph Swicicki joseph.swicicki@nypd.org 929-375-5093
PO John Sears john.sears@nypd.org 917-941-5262
Sector B (roughly east of 5th Avenue, south of Union Street):
PO Elizabeth Medina elizabeth.medina@nypd.org 929-499-7328
PO Maureen Marzano maureen.marzano@nypd.org 917-224-7632
Sector C (roughly Barclays Center and North Slope):
PO Michael Bergmann michael.bergmann@nypd.org 929-375-5842
PO William Gonzalez william.gonzalez4@nypd.org 917-941-9626
Sector D (roughly northeast Park Slope and Prospect Park):
PO Vincent Lau vincent.lau@nypd.org 929-392-3835
PO David Mancuso david.mancuso@nypd.org 917-855-5094
Orientation: Rules, regulation and procedures governing committee participation
Committee generally meets every month from September to June.
We follow Robert’s Rules of Order. Chairs will recognize members.
We encourage full participation by members and community members. Once a motion is made, discussion is limited to committee members. If the vote on a motion results in a tie, the motion fails.
Having a quorum is important, so being present for meetings is very important.
Ideas for agenda items can come from committee members. Traditionally, we’ve been pretty reactive, but we’re looking to be more active in setting our own agenda. Email the chairs or the committee list- serve if you have ideas for agenda items.
We’ll be sharing minute-taking duties.
The minutes from the June 15, 2017 meeting of the Transportation/Public Safety Committee were approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:55 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Elena Santogade, transcribed by Eric McClure.