Flashing Lights: Perceptions of a Ramped up Police Presence in Bed-Stuy

After a steady ten-year decline, crime in some areas of Brooklyn appears to be going up each month since the beginning of 2012.

In Bedford-Stuyvesant, for example, deputy inspectors from both the 79^th and 81^st precincts are pointing to robberies of electronics – particularly “iSnatches” – as a big contributor to the recent escalation in crime numbers.

Although very few of these armed robberies lead to physical harm of the victim of target, it has created an environment of insecurity and fear, particularly around entrances of subway stations, where criminals often target people who are most distracted and also walking with their phones and iPods out.

Over the past month, the 79^th Precinct has beefed up its presence on the corners of dozens of blocks between Myrtle and Gates avenues, north to south, and Nostrand and Franklin avenues, east to West. Presently, in these areas, it’s not uncommon to find a police car with flashing lights parked on the streets (and in some cases, right on the sidewalks), while police officers stand around on corners watching.

Additionally, on Friday, to provide 24-hour monitoring of the areas where people enter and exist the G train subway at the Bedford/Nostrand station.

Logically, few will argue against the need to increase policing when there is an increase in crime. But viscerally, how does this make you feel?

Has this overt tactic by police of posting up on corners all day added to your feeling of security in the neighborhood, or does it further heighten your anxiety about the presence of crime? Take our poll, and let us know what you think in the comments.