Commander: Crime Tumbles In 83rd Precinct

Assistant Chief George Nelson (at far left), commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North, addressed members of the 83rd Precinct Community Council during the organization's Feb. 17 meeting at the Bushwick stationhouse. The new year got off to a positive start for the 83rd Precinct with a 16 percent decrease in overall crime, the force's commander informed residents attending last Tuesday's 83rd Precinct Community Council at the Bushwick stationhouse.

Deputy Inspector Stephen Capasso announced during the Feb. 17 session that 183 felonies in the six major crime categories had occurred since Jan. 1, down from the 218 crimes that occurred during the same eight-week period in 2008.

Three shootings occurred in the 83rd Precinct's confines since the start of 2009, which Capasso noted four fewer than the same time last year. Coupled with the decrease in overall crime, the commander noted, was a 26 percent increase in arrests made by officers in the area.

Gang and drug activities have also dropped along with reports of crime in Bushwick, the deputy inspector indicated. He credited members of the precinct's Street Narcotics Enforcement Unit and assistance from the Patrol Borough Brooklyn North Narcotics Unit for working to make over 1,500 related arrests.

Even so, Capasso stated that the precinct was working to tackle burglaries and auto thefts, which have occurred sporadically throughout the community. He urged residents to take precautions to safeguard their homes and vehicles to keep potential crooks away from their property.

Capt. George Mifsud, the precinct's new executive officer, also advised parents to encourage their children not to display cell phones in public, noting that in many robbery cases, the suspects have been known to steal the devices out of a victim's hand on the street.

The command has also dispatched additional units to patrol areas of Wyckoff Avenue following a rash of robberies along the shopping strip during January. Since the extra patrols were put in place, he noted, a number of "good arrests" have been made and thefts have decreased.

Deputy Inspector Capasso also addressed the discovery of a woman found dead at the intersection of Palmetto Street and Bushwick Avenue on Monday, Feb. 16. The investigation into her death was ongoing and is being conducted by the 83rd Precinct Detective Squad.

"Hopefully we will find the perpetrator responsible for it and bring that person to justice," he said.

The intersection is in an area that has been known to residents as a hub of prostitution activity, according to Nadine Whitted, district manager of Brooklyn Community Board 4. Capasso noted that the precinct received similar complaints about the area in September and stepped up enforcement, arresting nearly 40 individuals since then on prostitution related charges.

The Brooklyn North Vice Enforcement Squad has also taken part in enforcement activities in the area, it was noted.

"When I hear a complaint, I get my sergeants and police officers on top of it right away," the deputy inspector said. "I'm doing my best to address it."

Boro chief, new executive officer

Attendees at last Tuesday's sesproach sion were also paid a visit by the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North, Assistant Chief George Nelson.

In brief remarks to the crowd, Nelson thanked them for their previous cooperation with police on various issues and encouraged others to advise local officers of any problems or crime issues they may face.

Following the chief's remarks, Deputy Inspector Capasso formally introduced residents to Captain Mifsud, who previously worked with the commanding officer with another command. Mifsud stated that he planned on being a part of the 83rd command for a long time and pledged to work to make the community as safe as possible.

Girl scouts on parade

Members of Girl Scouts Troop 2045 offered belated Valentine's greetings to all in attendance while also explaining some of the activities they take part in.

Troop leader Ayeesha Davis- McLeod informed residents that the troop is based at the Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council at 1474 Gates Ave. Girls between five and 17 years old who join the group take part in various community service activities including feeding elderly residents and the annual Bushwick pride parade.

Following their presentation, the scouts distributed valentine cards to residents and circulated a scrapbook containing pictures from their annual functions.

Other news

Smith thanked residents, elected officials, business owners, community activists and others who took part in the precinct council's annual Thanksgiving food giveaway. More than 110 baskets complete with a turkey and all the trimmings were distributed to disadvantaged families in the community.

The council president also reported that its annual Christmas fundraiser raised over $2,000, much of which was used to purchase toys for over 350 children attending the precinct's annual Christmas party at the Hope Gardens Community Center.

P.O. Natalie Robinson of the 83rd Precinct Youth Unit announced that individuals between 17 and 21 years of age who are not currently attending a school can seek help in finding gainful employment through the Department of Youth and Community Development's Out of School Youth Program.

The initiative provides skills training, job and college placement, GED preparation and other services to eligible youths. Summer job opportunities are also available.

For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/html/dycd/html/jobs/ out_of_school_youth_program.shtml.

The next 83rd Precinct Community Council meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Mar. 17 at the Bushwick stationhouse, located at Knickerbocker Avenue and Bleecker Street. For more information, call the Community Affairs Unit at 1-718- 574-1697.