81st Police Precinct Community Council Meets

The 81st Precinct Community Council held its first meeting Tuesday night, after a three-month summer recess. Council President Catherine Arline led the meeting.

Crime and the Community:

Deputy Inspector Juanita Holmes addressed the community's concern with what it appears is a big spike in crime activity beginning in the summer. The inspector provided an update on crime activity, in the confines of the 81 precinct, noting that although crime is up overall in the borough, it is down in the precinct.

She added, all things considered, incidents have been managed well and the officers have been aggressive and diligent in identifying and capturing several suspects.

Also, she noted that many of the incidents reported involve electronic thefts. She is asking the community to please be aware of who’s around you and avoid using any electronics while walking the streets, as it is an invitation for crimes of opportunity.

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Sergeant Anthony Caggiano from the Community Affairs Bureau at One Police Plaza is encouraging the community to check out its new, refreshed webpage, where programs and community affairs activities will be updated regularly. He’s asking the community to feel free to reach out to the bureau with any complaints or concerns and an officer will be available to respond quickly.  

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Inspector Holmes also announced that the Citizen’s Police Academy will be starting soon and is looking for new participants. Twice a year in the spring and fall, the academy opens its doors for two community members to participate in a free, once-weekly, 14-week course that provides an inside view of what police do on a day-to-day basis. The Citizen’s Police Academy offers community members the opportunity to experience similar training to that of police recruits at the police academy.

The course covers topics such as police science, law, and state-of-the-art policing strategies currently employed by the NYPD. “I have a strong passion for citizens police academy, because it gives you an inside view into what it is we do. It’s like a mini police academy. I think it’s very educational and provides great insight,” said Holmes. To learn more about the program, call (718) 574-0411.

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Councilman Al Vann attended the meeting: “I wish to support what I’ve heard, relative to the relationship between the police and the community. It’s important that we have that relationship. They are only as affective as the communication that they get from us. Anything that is happening on your block, please let them know.”

Announcements:

• Community member and Girls Scout Troop Leader Leslie Grandberry is looking for more members for her two troops: Troop 2-830 and Troop  2-299; Daisies (ages 5-6) and Cadettes and Senior Girls Scouts (ages 7-18). She holds her meetings at the Union United Methodist Church. If you are interested, please call 347-276-1412.
• Representative from Darlene Mealy’s office thanked the 81st Pct., and Inspector Holmes for their time and attention to the community.
• The Community Council announced its next fundraiser scheduled for October 21: The 81st Precinct will hold its Community Council Dinner Dance. This Fundraiser supports various programs and events throughout the year. Tickets are $55 per person. Special Honoree: Sgt. Anthony Caggiano. For tickets and information, contact Council President Arline at (718) 443-4109 or Community Affairs (718)574-0433.
• Mr. English from the FDNY announced the upcoming deadline to register for the firefighters exam. They are hoping to get more firefighters of color to participate. The filing period will close on September 16. The registration fee is $25 and can be paid online. “There’s been a lot of talk and controversy about the FDNY not hiring enough minorities. But we can’t complain, if we do not register for the exam,” said Council President Catherine Arline.
• The council would like to remind the community to take part in Bed-Stuy Alive! Now in its seventh year, Bed Stuy Alive! is a week of activities (October 8 - October 15) that celebrate the community’s many treasures, from its history, commerce and culture. This year’s theme will be Live Healthy, Live Well, Live Green. For more information, go here.
• The council acknowledged and congratulated State Senator Velmanette Montgomery on her success with securing the Smart Scholars Program, an early college program where freshman can enroll and begin earning up to 20 college credits from LIU by the time they graduate. Boys & Girls High School is one of four schools that will participate in Central Brooklyn.
• Also, the council acknowledged the recent passing of a longtime active community council member, Ms. Rhea Carter.

Meetings: The precinct Community Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 794 Monroe Street, 7:00pm.

President: Catherine Arline
Vice President: Ms. Martha Works
Treasurer: Mary Clark
Corresponding Secretary: Ms. Yvonne Danforth
Sergeant at Arms: Ben Jones