The 81st Police Precinct Meets

Last night was the monthly meeting of the 81st Police Precinct Community Council. The meeting of 50 or so people—mostly seniors—centered around fundraising for the Thanksgiving Dinner and the annual children’s Christmas Party, two of the council’s biggest annual events.

Also, two guest speakers from the D.A.'s office and the Vice Investigative Squad encouraged residents to call their offices to assist in crime reduction and social services.

81st Police Precinct Deputy Inspector’s Juanita Holmes gave her monthly address. Key points included:

·  Two areas driving patrol commands continue to be burglaries (home invasions) and felony assaults (electronic snatches). The inspector asks that people become aware of their surroundings and more vigilant about calling the police when they see or hear unusual activity

·  Rape incidents happening in the precinct are usually relating to people meeting on the Internet, ex-boyfriends, etc. Rarely do they encounter stranger rapes.

·  The precinct plans to launch a Facebook page as a platform to update the community on crime statistics and incidents

·  Inspector Holmes said she is available to attend some of the block association meetings if invited  

Sergeant Khalaf with the Brooklyn North Vice Investigative Squad was a special guest speaker. He heads up the department that investigates gambling, prostitution, untaxed cigarettes and illegal liquor licenses.   

He encouraged residents to call his office if they become aware or suspect there is a business operating that is unlicensed: “Prostitution on the street, also liquor authorization violations, nuisance abatements… we do enforcement concerning all of these issues. You can call our office or your precinct, and those kinds of complaints get routed to us,” said Khalaf.

“Businesses where gambling is taking place or is serving underage residents or is disorderly, vice will take those complaints and we investigate they will be subject to arrests and fines.  

“We are asking that if you see any of these activities taking place, we will work with the D.A.’s office with town civil enforcement unit and will attempt to close the establishment. We even hold landlords who are away accountable There are a lot of avenues where we can be of service.”   Chronic problems can be reported to the Vice Investigative Squad at 718-495-8482.  

Dennis Geoghan, a representative from the Kings County D.A.s office was a special guest speaker: “Here in Brooklyn, we have one of the first family justice centers which deals with domestic violence and enables people to make a complaint, get prosecuted and also receive assistance with housing, education, relocation or psychiatric treatment,” said Geoghan.

“Social workers are there and provide multiple services: DTAP (Drug Treatment Program) gives criminals addicted to drugs an opportunity to enter drug rehab as an alternative to a jail sentence. However, the sentence still hangs over their heads if they don’t complete the program.”  

For more information or assistance, residence may call 718.250.2340.  

Detective William Jenkins of 81st Precinct Public Affairs announced a new Teen Impact Center is launching today (November 9), from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Tuesday – Thursday, at PS 21, located at 180 Patchen, between Marion and Chauncey Streets, across from the Brevoort Houses.

The Impact Center was launched to keep give kids who are idle a place to go, something to do, and people to talk to.  

The program, launched through the 81st Pct. Community Affairs, will bring together different agencies to assist children in physical and academic activities, if they want it.  There also will be counselors on hand.  

“It’s our first teen impact center, the Inspector (Holmes) requested it, and we worked hard with the Community Affairs Bureau to get it,” said Jenkins. “We’re trying to give these kids options, if they don’t have a job and have nothing to do. Often times, they don’t realize how serious their crimes are now, and how it will affect their future ability to get a job later and a live a productive life.”  

Fundraising Chair Ms. Wilkens announced that the fundraising dinner at Lorraine’s on October 21 was a success. They raised $5,355, and made a profit $1,895, which will be used for the Children’s Christmas Party and the Thanksgiving Seniors Luncheon.  

The council, she said, is in great need of more donations. A Block association donated $400. Inspector Holmes has donated $100 out of her personal account. Ms. Wilkens and council President Cathy Arline continued to emphasize over and over how important the Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas Party were important to the community.  

Catherine Arline, 81st Pct. Community Council President, gave her monthly address. Some of the key highlights included:

·  She thanked the precinct for their support of their fundraiser dance.

·  She asked for coat donations at the precinct for people during the winter months, particularly seniors

·  Are asking for clothing donations to the precinct.

·  The Thanksgiving Dinner/Luncheon for Seniors will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 12:00pm at Gloria’s Church of God and Christ. They need volunteers to help cook, serve food and clean up. To volunteer, you may call 718-574-0433.

·  The December Christmas Party will be held Saturday, December 10, 10:00am, at 800 Gates Avenue 

·  The Christmas in Bed-Stuy Caroling will kick off at Our Lady of Good Counseling

·  The bi-annual Task Force Meeting is scheduled for this Saturday, November 12, at 9:00am. This very important meeting brings together board members of CB3, Inspectors and commanding officers of both 79th and 81st Precinct, block associations, and key community development organizations to discuss the state of affairs of the neighborhood. The public is invited. The Task Force meeting will take place at the Bridge Street Senior House, located at 625 Quincy Street. Light breakfast will be served.  

Karen Cherry, director of community relations for Congressman Ed Towns announced that the Congressman will host a Thanksgiving Day Luncheon on Thursday, November 24, at Boys and Girls High School. Doors open at 11:00:

“This is the congressman’s 25th year hosting this luncheon, and it’s always been a great success. Seniors are invited out. They will need to contact their senior center, and the congressman’s office will send out a van to come and pick you up. We will have door prizes, the children from the high school come, help serve and interact with the seniors.

It’s a great day! For more information, call 718-272-1175.”

The 81st Precinct Community Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 794 Monroe Street, in the auditorium, at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 13, 2011.