The Brooklyn Eagle has an article about the anti-gang efforts of the 72nd Precinct, led by Deputy Inspector Pintos. The article mentions specifics from the gang awareness forum as well as tips for parents in recognizing signs that your child may be flirting with (or embracing) gang membership.
from the article:
One front is using increased enforcement in targeted areas with proactive arrests. The second front enrolls the entire community in the "Gangs 101 Course" taught by NYPD Gang Division cops to other cops. Pintos said that without that, parents would lose their children to the gangs.
Showing posts with label 72nd Precinct. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 72nd Precinct. Show all posts
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Robbery Season is Upon Us
The 72nd Precinct reports 11 reported robberies between October 26th and November 1st. That's a lot, in case you haven't been checking statistics. This past week there were an additional 5 robberies reported (see image above - click for a better view). Stay aware of your surroundings and call 911 immediately if you've been robbed or assaulted in any way.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Gang Forum Gets an Audience, but Not Enough of the Intended One
Sunset Park Chronicled has an excellent run-down of how the Gang Awareness Forum, hosted by the 72nd Precinct, went.
I'll use this as a reminder that anyone who sees gang graffiti should call 311 to report it for clean-up. The huge gang graffiti at the front of the 44th entrance to the park last year was painted over in record time. However, lesser known groups' graffiti remains for months. If you see graffiti that has a single line through it, chances are that's one group "canceling out" another's tag. The more often we call in graffiti like that (or all graffiti, really), the less often it will happen in the long-run.
I'll use this as a reminder that anyone who sees gang graffiti should call 311 to report it for clean-up. The huge gang graffiti at the front of the 44th entrance to the park last year was painted over in record time. However, lesser known groups' graffiti remains for months. If you see graffiti that has a single line through it, chances are that's one group "canceling out" another's tag. The more often we call in graffiti like that (or all graffiti, really), the less often it will happen in the long-run.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Thursday: 72nd Precinct Gang Awareness Forum at OLPH
Whether handed out in front of Key Food, hanging by the door at Tacos Matamoros, or received by email from the community board, the word about the Gang Awareness Forum is certainly getting out.
Anyone with a child in middle school or high school should seriously consider attending this forum. In my experience, the parents and family members of kids in gangs usually had no idea. Sometimes it was because of denial, but often it was because they figured the drawings on notebooks, the clothes, the new friends were just that. Occasionally it is innocent, but sometimes it can be much more serious. If you know what to look for, it makes all the difference. Oh, and don't think that your kid is immune because he's a certain race or economic background, does well on tests, or because she attends religious services with you. Yes, there are patterns, but there are also many anomalies.
Here are the details:
Anyone with a child in middle school or high school should seriously consider attending this forum. In my experience, the parents and family members of kids in gangs usually had no idea. Sometimes it was because of denial, but often it was because they figured the drawings on notebooks, the clothes, the new friends were just that. Occasionally it is innocent, but sometimes it can be much more serious. If you know what to look for, it makes all the difference. Oh, and don't think that your kid is immune because he's a certain race or economic background, does well on tests, or because she attends religious services with you. Yes, there are patterns, but there are also many anomalies.
Here are the details:
Gang Violence is destroying lives and devastating families in our community.
This forum is designed to bring attention to the increasing gang violence in our community and to educate parents and their children to the dangers of gang involvement.
Come out and join us on October 15, 2009 at 6:30 PM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church - 545 60th Street, in the gymnasium.
Attendees:
Jesus "Raul" Pintos, Deputy Inspector, 72nd Precinct
72nd Precinct Youth Officers
NYPD Gang Division
Local Clergy Members
Family Members of Victims of Gang Violence
And You!
This forum is designed to bring attention to the increasing gang violence in our community and to educate parents and their children to the dangers of gang involvement.
Come out and join us on October 15, 2009 at 6:30 PM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church - 545 60th Street, in the gymnasium.
Attendees:
Jesus "Raul" Pintos, Deputy Inspector, 72nd Precinct
72nd Precinct Youth Officers
NYPD Gang Division
Local Clergy Members
Family Members of Victims of Gang Violence
And You!
Monday, October 12, 2009
72nd Community Council Meeting Tuesday Night
October's Community Council meeting is tomorrow (Tuesday) night. Stop by the Marien Heim Houses at 7:30 PM for an update on the state of the 72nd Precinct. It's a good time to voice complaints and to share compliments with the officers. Deputy Inspector Pintos should be there.
When? Tuesday, October 13th, at 7:30 PM
Where? 45th and 4th Avenue (Marien Heim Houses)
When? Tuesday, October 13th, at 7:30 PM
Where? 45th and 4th Avenue (Marien Heim Houses)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Run-Down of the 72nd Precinct Community Council Meeting
About 25 residents were in attendance at the Community Council Meeting. Nothing new was reporting regarding the two murders in Sunset Park. For those who haven't heard, a teenaged member of gang shot and killed two men in another gang. It was not a random act, but probably spurred on from an earlier event. It's a sad situation all around. There were two memorials near the flagpole*; we witnessed one visibly upset group, seemed like family, lay down fresh flowers at one of the memorials. Basically, three lives are over. All of them - despite gang affiliations and violent choices - are someone's sons and brothers.
* There was also another memorial set up near the playground sometime on Saturday. It overlooked the view of downtown Manhattan. It was probably a memorial for someone who died on 9/11. It, along with the other two memorials, was vandalized and destroyed by Monday morning.
Anyone who has been to the park lately must have noticed the heightened police presence. I've even seen foot patrols, which frankly, I haven't noticed in all the time I've used the park.
Members of the Friends of Sunset Park attended the Community Council Meeting, and I am indebted to their email for the listed information below:
The next Community Council meeting will be the 2nd Tuesday in October. Same time (7:30 PM), same place (45th and 4th). Please consider becoming a regular!
* There was also another memorial set up near the playground sometime on Saturday. It overlooked the view of downtown Manhattan. It was probably a memorial for someone who died on 9/11. It, along with the other two memorials, was vandalized and destroyed by Monday morning.
Anyone who has been to the park lately must have noticed the heightened police presence. I've even seen foot patrols, which frankly, I haven't noticed in all the time I've used the park.
Members of the Friends of Sunset Park attended the Community Council Meeting, and I am indebted to their email for the listed information below:
Other issues raised at the Community Council meeting were:
- Increased sidewalk drug sales activity on various blocks throughout the 72nd Precinct
- Return of after-hours alcohol sales and noisy patrons at Los Potrillos - 39th/4th Ave
- Noisy & littering patrons at Rose Quartz Bar - 39th/3rd.
- Request for Deputy Inspector Pintos to personally mediate resurging disputes between Chinese van operators; apparently a long-standing issue.
- Commendation + photo op with owner and wife of Chinese Restaurant on 6th ave/61st St. for their generous food contributions to the recent Police Appreciation Day celebration.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Reminder: Community Council Meeting tonight
Hear about the double-murder last Monday evening. Hear about the traffic accident that put a delivery man in the ICU. Listen to the 72nd talk about the summer full of events.
When? Tuesday, September 8th, at 7:30 PM.
Where? 45th and 4th Avenue (Marien Heim Houses)
Who? Anyone who is interested and concerned with what happens in Sunset Park. Basically, you.
It's a time for residents to learn information, give kudos for a job well done, voice complaints about a job less than perfect, and ask questions about the area. The meetings are the second Tuesday in the month. Make it a habit!
When? Tuesday, September 8th, at 7:30 PM.
Where? 45th and 4th Avenue (Marien Heim Houses)
Who? Anyone who is interested and concerned with what happens in Sunset Park. Basically, you.
It's a time for residents to learn information, give kudos for a job well done, voice complaints about a job less than perfect, and ask questions about the area. The meetings are the second Tuesday in the month. Make it a habit!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
72nd Community Council Meeting is BACK
I'm sure this will be an interesting meeting.
When? Tuesday, September 8th, at 7:30 PM.
Where? 45th and 4th Avenue (Marien Heim Houses)
Who? Anyone who is interested and concerned with what happens in Sunset Park. Basically, you.
It's a time for residents to learn information, give kudos for a job well done, voice complaints about a job less than perfect, and ask questions about the area. The meetings are the second Tuesday in the month. Make it a habit!
When? Tuesday, September 8th, at 7:30 PM.
Where? 45th and 4th Avenue (Marien Heim Houses)
Who? Anyone who is interested and concerned with what happens in Sunset Park. Basically, you.
It's a time for residents to learn information, give kudos for a job well done, voice complaints about a job less than perfect, and ask questions about the area. The meetings are the second Tuesday in the month. Make it a habit!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Sunset Park Shooters Caught
Update: More info from The Village Voice.
************************************************
According to officers in the 72nd Precinct, three men have been apprehended for the murders of two men in our park on Monday evening. The shooting was apparently gang-related.
Congratulations to the 72nd on the quick and effective detective work.
************************************************
According to officers in the 72nd Precinct, three men have been apprehended for the murders of two men in our park on Monday evening. The shooting was apparently gang-related.
Congratulations to the 72nd on the quick and effective detective work.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Friends of Sunset Park Respond to Sunday's Vendor Raid
I wasn't around on Sunday to see the vendors getting cited or to hear about the aftermath. I can only hope that no one was hurt. The Friends of Sunset Park have posted a response to some questions that arose following Sunday's enforcement. Please see the response by clicking on this link.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Occasional "Clampdown" on Vendors In and Near the Park
Jesswis posted this photo on Twitter and asked if I see vendors getting cited often. I don't. It seems that there is a round-up every so often. I have seen the toy and silly string (argh!) vendors in the playground wrap their wares up lickety-split, and I have seen vendors literally pushing their carts ahead of police cars to keep distance between them. However, I always thought there was some kind of agreement that most of the time no-one would hassle the vendors. Is this a victimless crime that encourages enjoyment of our park? Or does the threat of unlicensed vendors seem reasonable considering that they are serving food, encouraging litter, and selling playthings that create a mess?
Sunday, August 2, 2009
National Night Out Against Crime is in Sunset Park
It's usually been in Windsor Terrace at the Greenwood Playground, but this year the 72nd Precinct's National Night Out Against Crime will be in Sunset Park on August 4th from . Even though the article on YourNabe says it's 46th and 6th Avenue, I'm guessing they meant 44th and 6th Avenue. It's scheduled to occur from 4 PM to 8 PM.
Considering that the events are free of charge and that there are often giveaways and food available, I hope that it doesn't become a free-for-all of people who just take and don't participate. Judging from the photos from last year, the amount of people will be much larger in Sunset Park simply due to a higher level of park-goers. And UPROSE saw what happened when free food shows up.
from the article:
Every National Night Out Against Crime – there are 26 of them throughout the borough −− is free of charge, explained Matt Peskin, National Project Coordinator for the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), the sponsoring organization of National Night Out events throughout the country.
“There are no financial barriers to participating in National Night Out. That has always been our commitment, but in today’s difficult economy, it’s worth highlighting,” Peskin said. “We know communities and local law enforcement agencies are being asked to justify every expense.”
National Night Out Against Crime events are funded by their local precinct councils, as well as generous donations from local merchants and businesses.
Each National Night Out Against Crime event promises a healthy share of parades, food, treats, rides and games – just what a youngster needs for a night of crime−fighting.
This year the programs, which include cell phone and iPod etching, are going to be offered to area youngsters to stem the growing tide of teen−on−teen crime that’s surfaced in the borough.
Considering that the events are free of charge and that there are often giveaways and food available, I hope that it doesn't become a free-for-all of people who just take and don't participate. Judging from the photos from last year, the amount of people will be much larger in Sunset Park simply due to a higher level of park-goers. And UPROSE saw what happened when free food shows up.
from the article:
Every National Night Out Against Crime – there are 26 of them throughout the borough −− is free of charge, explained Matt Peskin, National Project Coordinator for the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), the sponsoring organization of National Night Out events throughout the country.
“There are no financial barriers to participating in National Night Out. That has always been our commitment, but in today’s difficult economy, it’s worth highlighting,” Peskin said. “We know communities and local law enforcement agencies are being asked to justify every expense.”
National Night Out Against Crime events are funded by their local precinct councils, as well as generous donations from local merchants and businesses.
Each National Night Out Against Crime event promises a healthy share of parades, food, treats, rides and games – just what a youngster needs for a night of crime−fighting.
This year the programs, which include cell phone and iPod etching, are going to be offered to area youngsters to stem the growing tide of teen−on−teen crime that’s surfaced in the borough.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Urchins are Out
School's out for summer. Not officially, yet, but in effect. Just because the kids are 12 years old (give or take a few years) doesn't mean they should get away with assault and vandalism.
Tuesday afternoon a large group of tween/teen boys were throwing glass bottles around the park and onto the sidewalks around the park (both in and out of the actual park). They also assaulted at least one young man - four on one and against the fence.
In one case, the glass bottles they through down onto the 44th Street sidewalk (from the park) landed on and around a family walking up the hill. I'm sure some people will disagree that 911 should be called, but I don't. Especially considering the damage a flying glass bottle can do.
from the FAQ on the nyc.gov website:
If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential just tell the operator.
If you don't want to call 911, try one of these numbers for the 72nd Precinct:
Precinct: (718) 965-6311
Community Affairs: (718) 965-6326
Community Policing: (718) 965-6350
Crime Prevention: (718) 965-6354
Domestic Violence: (718) 965-6363
Youth Officer: (718) 965-6301
Auxiliary Coordinator: (718) 965-6323
Detective Squad: (718) 965-6336
Tuesday afternoon a large group of tween/teen boys were throwing glass bottles around the park and onto the sidewalks around the park (both in and out of the actual park). They also assaulted at least one young man - four on one and against the fence.
In one case, the glass bottles they through down onto the 44th Street sidewalk (from the park) landed on and around a family walking up the hill. I'm sure some people will disagree that 911 should be called, but I don't. Especially considering the damage a flying glass bottle can do.
from the FAQ on the nyc.gov website:
When should you call 911?
When there is an emergency, lives are in danger, serious injury, serious medical condition, crime in progress, or any other situation needing immediate attention.
What should you do if you see a crime occurring?
- Call 911 immediately.
- Be observant and make mental notes.
- Are there any weapons involved?
- What is the address?
- Any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard, or scars?
- Any clothing description?
- How many people involved?
- Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle?
If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential just tell the operator.
If you don't want to call 911, try one of these numbers for the 72nd Precinct:
Precinct: (718) 965-6311
Community Affairs: (718) 965-6326
Community Policing: (718) 965-6350
Crime Prevention: (718) 965-6354
Domestic Violence: (718) 965-6363
Youth Officer: (718) 965-6301
Auxiliary Coordinator: (718) 965-6323
Detective Squad: (718) 965-6336
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Kittens and the 72nd Precinct
The 72nd Precinct has had a lot of action lately. Between catching bodega robbers with guns, patrolling the park and picking up passed out revelers, checking out the 45th Street station for nefarious behavior, and racing up side streets to address emergency calls, they've certainly got their hands full. And that's just the activity I have heard about in the last 48 hours! If only they'd let in those of us without press credentials to check out the blotter on Tuesdays, I'm sure we'd see much more of their good works.
Here's one good deed that took some pressure off the officers. And it helped cement some warm, fuzzy feelings towards our precinct. At least that's the distinct impression I got from watching this drama unfold yesterday afternoon.
A group of children and adults stopped to check out a box* left on the side of the road; perhaps they heard sounds coming from the box. Once they peeked inside, they had a short discussion of what to do, and then called either 311 or 911. This group waited by the box for about 15 to 20 minutes until 72nd Precinct officers showed up to assess the situation. See for yourself.
* The box was one of those carrying boxes you see kids selling candy from. It had a colorful spaceship motif. If you saw someone carrying this near the Park on Tuesday, that was the kitten-abandoning culprit!
After opening the box, this officer donned blue protective gear to get a closer look. (Not being a cat person, and having allergies to the furry dander beings, I would have too.) One little black kitten poked out his head to check the condition of his surroundings.
Another little guy joined his sibling's curiosity. The second officer was more daring; he dove right in without gloves and took a look at the kittens.
How cute are these two? Even though I'm not a cat fan, I have to admit I was tempted to take them in. And then I thought better of it. The kittens were loaded up into the police car and driven away. I suppose anyone interested in adopting them could call the precinct at (718) 965-6311 to find out where they went. Otherwise, go to the Love Wanted event in Bay Ridge on Saturday. (I think the post goes up tomorrow.) The good news is, they looked in healthy condition. And no one had done this to them.
Here's one good deed that took some pressure off the officers. And it helped cement some warm, fuzzy feelings towards our precinct. At least that's the distinct impression I got from watching this drama unfold yesterday afternoon.
A group of children and adults stopped to check out a box* left on the side of the road; perhaps they heard sounds coming from the box. Once they peeked inside, they had a short discussion of what to do, and then called either 311 or 911. This group waited by the box for about 15 to 20 minutes until 72nd Precinct officers showed up to assess the situation. See for yourself.
* The box was one of those carrying boxes you see kids selling candy from. It had a colorful spaceship motif. If you saw someone carrying this near the Park on Tuesday, that was the kitten-abandoning culprit!
After opening the box, this officer donned blue protective gear to get a closer look. (Not being a cat person, and having allergies to the furry dander beings, I would have too.) One little black kitten poked out his head to check the condition of his surroundings. 
Another little guy joined his sibling's curiosity. The second officer was more daring; he dove right in without gloves and took a look at the kittens. 
How cute are these two? Even though I'm not a cat fan, I have to admit I was tempted to take them in. And then I thought better of it. The kittens were loaded up into the police car and driven away. I suppose anyone interested in adopting them could call the precinct at (718) 965-6311 to find out where they went. Otherwise, go to the Love Wanted event in Bay Ridge on Saturday. (I think the post goes up tomorrow.) The good news is, they looked in healthy condition. And no one had done this to them.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Help Stop Three Robbers in Our Area
Friends of Sunset Park reps were at the 72nd Precinct meeting last night and sent along a request for help from Captain Pintos (Gothamist has a blurb and links to three news agencies (including video!).):
At tonight's monthly 72nd Precinct Community Council meeting, Captain Pintos asked for community help in identifying three robbers who have hit six bodegas/delis in the past few weeks. Two people (not the robbers) have been injured; one was shot in the shoulder. One of the robberies was on 3rd Avenue and 61st Street. Another was on Greenwood Avenue.
The individuals are described as male, African-American, very thin. The perpetrators wear bandannas over their noses/mouths and enter the store while the third stays in the Ford Expedition ready to help them escape. The getaway vehicle is a Black Ford Expedition with a dull paint job.
The Captain requested that if you see three men in a car matching this description, jot down the license plate and call 1-800-577-tips. Of course, if you think you see a crime in progress, call 911.
At tonight's monthly 72nd Precinct Community Council meeting, Captain Pintos asked for community help in identifying three robbers who have hit six bodegas/delis in the past few weeks. Two people (not the robbers) have been injured; one was shot in the shoulder. One of the robberies was on 3rd Avenue and 61st Street. Another was on Greenwood Avenue.
The individuals are described as male, African-American, very thin. The perpetrators wear bandannas over their noses/mouths and enter the store while the third stays in the Ford Expedition ready to help them escape. The getaway vehicle is a Black Ford Expedition with a dull paint job.
The Captain requested that if you see three men in a car matching this description, jot down the license plate and call 1-800-577-tips. Of course, if you think you see a crime in progress, call 911.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Community Council Meeting Tonight
Want to hear more (or ask a question about) the relatively recent shooting on 51st Street? Want to meet our Precinct Captain? Want to complain about an issue on your block? Want to commend the officers of the 72nd for their hard work?
Tonight at 7:30 PM you can have at it. Show up at the Marien Heim Houses on 4th Avenue and 45th Street. Go up the walkway in the middle of the block; the meeting is in the cafeteria to the right.
I can't make it, so I'd appreciate an email to bestviewinbrooklyn@yahoo.com if there's anything to report! Full credit given, of course.
Tonight at 7:30 PM you can have at it. Show up at the Marien Heim Houses on 4th Avenue and 45th Street. Go up the walkway in the middle of the block; the meeting is in the cafeteria to the right.
I can't make it, so I'd appreciate an email to bestviewinbrooklyn@yahoo.com if there's anything to report! Full credit given, of course.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
A Crime Deferred
The Brooklyn Eagle also has this fairy-tale-like story of a couple, an attack, and a rescue.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Joseph Gray is Up for Parole
The ex-72nd Precinct Police Officer who killed four people (including a pre-term baby who died several hours after being delivered by emergency c-section) is up for parole after seven years behind bars. The Staten Island Advance has the article.
from the article:
from the article:
His [Gray's] kin maintain he has paid his debt.
"Joseph's family needs him home again to once again become a productive member of society, support his three children and wife, and be reunited with all of his family who miss him and love him," Gray's relatives said in an e-mail to the Advance. "He is extremely remorseful and takes full accountability of his crime."
But a relative of the victims contends Gray should stay exactly where he is.
"I'm not a vindictive man, but forgiveness is hard to find when someone has taken your entire family," said Victor Herrera, who issued a statement through his lawyer, Mark Manus of the Manhattan firm of Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman.
"I hate to think of this man behind the wheel of a car again," said Herrera, who lost his wife and two sons.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Sexual Assault in Greenwood Heights (23rd and 6th Ave)
According to postings on Brooklynian and Gowanus Lounge, there was a sexual assault yesterday AM on 6th Avenue between 23rd and 24th Streets. The posters in the neighborhood state:
Perpetrator was last seen fleeing down 24th Street on a mountain bike wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt. If you have any information, please contact police (72nd Precinct) at (718) 965 6311.
The suspect in the early AM rape in Bay Ridge has been caught. I haven't heard about the early AM rapist in Fort Greene, I think he has not yet been apprehended. Hopefully more details about this situation will come out - like a more specific description of the suspect - so that anyone who saw this person before or after the crime can give details.
Community Board 7 and the folks at Concerned Citizens of Greenwood Heights would like to know what you know AFTER calling the 72nd Precinct. You can e-mail them at communityboard7@yahoo.com and info@ccgreenwoodhts.com respectively.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
72nd Precinct Shows a Rise in Murders in 2008
The Brooklyn Eagle has a run-down of Brooklyn's murder statistics, and the 72nd Precinct gets the last word. Literally.
The 68th Precinct (our friendly neighbors to the south) was one of three precincts in NYC that had zero murders last year. The 72nd Precinct had seven, four more than 2007. The three most well known are the February Tacos 2004 murder, the May murder of a Windsor Terrace Dry Cleaners Owner, and the September murder of an EMT.
Here's some of the basic information from the article:
Patrol Borough Brooklyn South reported a 35.2 percent rise in murders in 2008 to 92 compared to 68 in 2007, while Patrol Brooklyn North recorded a lower murder rate, 114 compared to 141 in 2007, according to the NYPD CompStat figures as of Dec. 28, 2008.
The 68th Precinct (our friendly neighbors to the south) was one of three precincts in NYC that had zero murders last year. The 72nd Precinct had seven, four more than 2007. The three most well known are the February Tacos 2004 murder, the May murder of a Windsor Terrace Dry Cleaners Owner, and the September murder of an EMT.
Here's some of the basic information from the article:
Patrol Borough Brooklyn South reported a 35.2 percent rise in murders in 2008 to 92 compared to 68 in 2007, while Patrol Brooklyn North recorded a lower murder rate, 114 compared to 141 in 2007, according to the NYPD CompStat figures as of Dec. 28, 2008.
In the 75th Precinct in East New York murders were down by half, with 16 reported compared to 33 in 2007. In Brownsville’s 73rd Precinct there were 29 murders, one more than in 2007. The 71st Precinct in Crown Heights reported a rise to 16 murders from 2007’s 11.
The 72nd Precinct covering Sunset Park and Windsor Terrace reported a rise to seven murders, compared with three in 2007.
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