VIDEO: The 79th Police Pct. Community Council Meets

The 79^th Police Precinct Community Council held its monthly meeting last night to a packed house, and high on the commanding officer’s agenda was the discussion of iPhone robberies, particularly in the areas between Myrtle and Lexington Avenues north to south, and Nostrand and Franklin Avenues, east to west.

Announcement by Council President Kim Best:

• Thanked the volunteers who came out to make the Christmas/Kwanzaa party a great success. The council ended up servicing 800 – 1,000 children.
• Congratulated Deputy Inspector Bartoszek: January 13, he made 20 years with the NYPD

Commanding Officer Peter Bartoszek’s Monthly Address:

• Acknowledged there has been an increase in robberies and thefts of electronics in the precinct, particularly in the areas between Myrtle and Lexington Avenues north to south, and Nostrand and Franklin Avenues, east to west.
• Says they’ve discovered that the thieves are stealing the phones because they can re-sell them to some bodegas and get as much as $150 for each phone
• Bartoszek did not say that he planned to increase patrols in those areas, but asked the public to be more aware of their surroundings; to try not to walk and text (see video).
• The precinct earlier this month received 66 new officers. Bartoszek invited 10 of them up for a chance to speak and introduce themselves to the community.

Captain Lola Obe, commanding officer of PSA 3 presented:

• The Captain covers all details pertaining to the policing of public housing. Her coverage area includes 21 housings developments -- seven in Bedford-Stuyvesant – and five police precincts.
• The Captain has noted a spike in crime and a rash of robberies, particularly in the Tompkins Houses. They need the help of residents and precincts.
• PSA 3 is in the process of trying to recruit police cadet cops. The program requires participants have a minimum of 15 college credits. It will then train cadet officers. It’s an internship that pays for college.
• PSA 3 meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Job Corps Building at 7:00pm. Their next meeting is Wednesday, February 1. The community is invited.

Public Forum (public asks questions; Bartoszek answers):

Q: One resident asked about the legality of Stop, Question and Frisk. “This sending 100 frogs to get a prince will get you nowhere. Stop coming down on the people of this community. Everybody is not a criminal!”

A: “We don’t stop people for no reason. Stop, Question and Frisk is an effective tool, and we do not abuse it. Trust me, we wouldn’t be using it if it were not helpful.”

Q: “Do the 66 officers reflect the net increase overall in the precinct?”

A: “In about 2-3 weeks, we’re going to lose about 30-40 officers, so our net gain will only be around 30. We have a surplus now, but we will eventually be back to normal numbers.”

Q: “I just wanted to say that your attitude and the attitude of your officers has everything to do with your relationship with the community. And I’ve noticed that it has improved, and I want to say ‘thank you.’”

A: “We always try to stress professionalism and courtesy. Communication skills are very important, and that is something we stress to the young guys, that every interaction does not have to be negative.”

--Demetrius Mills gave Treasury Report: There is currently $363.97 left in the treasury, after the expenditures of the Christmas party. The precinct needs to begin replenishing the coffer now.

--Barbara Biggs Glover gave Scholarship Report: They’ve administered all scholarship applications and all of their requests for sponsorship support. They are now waiting to hear back from potential sponsors. The deadline is February to turn in scholarship applications.

--Iman Rashid of Masjid Kalifah on Bedford Avenue introduced himself and offered his services to assist in helping to make the community a safer area.

-- Jeffrey Levitt, Executive Assistant District Attorney of the Trial Bureau Blue Zone, said their office has been watching and monitoring closely the problem of cell phone robberies, and what they have noticed is that IS NOT just those who are walking down the street talking on their phones who are victims. A new tactic is to ask the victim for the time. Since most people now use their cell phone as their watch, it will force the victim to take out their phones, and then they are robbed. He asked everyone to become more aware and savvy of the tactics and pre-texts of the criminals.

Elected Officials:

• Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries announced the State of the District Address, taking place on Thursday, January 26, at 6:00pm at Pratt Institute, Higgins Hall. Also, his office played an instrumental role in extending the millionaire’s tax in New York State. “As a result, we’ll get an additional $2 billion in revenue,” said Jeffries. “Another thing we were able to negotiate was a $50 million jobs program for at-risk youth.” Call 718-596-0100, if you are interested in getting your child registered for the jobs program. Also, they are looking for businesses that are interested in accepting young employees.
• Robert Cornegy, District Leader, encouraged everyone at the precinct council meeting to sign a petition to get the president on the ballot as a Democratic candidate. “How many of you didn’t know that we have to nominate the president for his party?”
• Walter Mosley, District Leader. “April 24 is the New York State Presidential Primary. Pleas let us know if you have a space for us to set up a voter registration drive.”
• Representative from the office of State Senator Velmanette Montgomery: Announced that they’re trying to sell 55 Hanson Place, the State Office Building in Brooklyn named for Shirley Chisholm. If they sell the building, there will be nowhere else to go except Harlem to deal with State issues. She is encouraging all residents to speak out against the sale of 55 Hanson Place.
• Tyrone Woods, a representative from City Councilmember Al Vann’s office: “There was a false accusation at the last meeting about the Councilmember taking money out of the budget for the repair of Nostrand Avenue. That never happened. So I encourage you all to take a look at the City Hall Roundup so you can see what work is really talking place on behalf of the councilmember in City Hall.”

--Demetrius Mills, Board President of the Brooklyn/Queens Land Trust, said they are looking for board members now. They received a sizeable grant that has allowed them to acquire a total of 3 acres of land (33 community gardens). “This is an opportunity for community members to get involved and bring food to your table that you grow and raise yourself.” To participate, contact 718-963-7020.

--Mr. Graves of the Gifted Community Services, Inc., a new organization located at 737 Myrtle Avenue that manages a speaker’s bureau for ex-offenders to speak to at-risk youth about the perils of incarceration and getting caught up in the system. All speakers are reformed, have been out of jail for at least 5 years, and have held a steady job. For more information, call 718-596-7500.

--Mr. Muhammad of the Bed-Stuy Volunteer Ambulance Corps, announced the organization will begin administering emergency medical technician classes for young people to work with the EMT. They are focusing on the youth, because it is a great career path, but all ages are invited. They also are offering CPR and disaster preparedness. Their offices are open Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 718-453-4617.

The 79^th Precinct encompasses Flushing Avenue to Atlantic Avenue, north to south, and Classon Avenue to Marcus Garvey Blvd, east to west. The 79^th Pct. meets the fourth Wednesday of every month.