As it turns out–and this was almost a no-brainer–there was a significant police presence in Carroll Park yesterday afternoon and evening. One reader reports:
On the way home from the F train I saw two uniform cops on Smith Street near the park, and two more on Court Street near Kane. I haven’t seen that many just hanging out ever before (unless there was a parade or something).
Another reader writes:
I saw a circling patrol car, 3 cops, including 1 captain, 4 park employees.
And, then, there was this e-mail, which was connected to the Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association and speaks of the extent to which the story seems to have made an impression on police brass:
I am writing to allay fears about the recent incident in Carroll Park. I just spoke with Maria Pagano of CGNA and with Captain Kemper at the 76th preceinct. They are both aware of this incident and would like more information from the individuals involved…Maria has informed me that Captain Kemper has assured her that a uniformed officer will be stationed at Carroll Park every day. We are hoping that this will reassure the community and put a lid on the escalating “buzz.”
Of course, there are many issues concerning new residents and longtime residents and wealthy residents versus low-income residents, and there are many issues about a lack of positive recreational opportunities for neighborhood children and teens that policing won’t solve.
4 responses so far ↓
1 Anonymous // Jul 14, 2007 at 7:42 am
Don’t forget that these kids walked all the way down Court st – from the Heights, through Cobble Hill and into Carroll Gardens – and harassed pedestrians and shop owners along the way.
After the park and after police officers were involved these kids proceeded down Court st causing more havoc. The police were called two more times by myself and did not respond.
This situation is not resolved by simply putting a cop in the park. The larger issue is the slow response time by the police.
2 You Paid What?!? // Jul 14, 2007 at 9:45 am
FYI – there is nearly always a police are on Kane Street on a friday or saturday. They are generally watching the synagogue.
3 Anonymous // Jul 14, 2007 at 12:58 pm
We got dinner on Smith last night — saw two cops walking the beat on Smith and two more on Court near Kane. Definitely a notable increase in police presence in the area. And there was not a hooligan to be seen.
4 Anonymous // Jul 15, 2007 at 10:19 am
I for one would much rather these limited police resources re-deployed at more precarious locations. The original posters rant is a contradiction in itself. First, he wants the cops to respond quicker, but then mentions the possibility that maybe the cops have more important things to deal with.