Increasing Police Presence in Bronx District Urged by NYC Council Member
The Bronx is facing a surge in violent crime, particularly shootings, prompting City Council member Oswald Feliz to call for more police officers to help combat the rising criminal activity in the borough.
Councilman Feliz expressed his concerns in a letter addressed to interim Police Commissioner Thomas Donlon after three police precincts in his district reported significant increases in shooting incidents. He emphasized the urgent need for additional resources to address the escalating crime rates in the Bronx.
While acknowledging the progress made by the NYPD in reducing overall crime in the city, Feliz pointed out that certain communities in the Bronx have been disproportionately impacted and left behind. Specifically, the NYPD’s 46th, 48th, and 62nd precincts in the Bronx require enhanced police presence to effectively address the surge in violent crimes.
In his letter dated Monday, Feliz emphasized that public safety is a shared responsibility and that there is no singular solution to reducing crime. However, he highlighted the crucial role that police presence plays in deterring criminal activity and ensuring community safety.
The NYPD responded to Feliz’s plea by stating that they would review the letter. They explained that the deployment of police personnel is based on various factors such as population density, call volume, and crime trends in each precinct. As new police recruits graduate from the Police Academy, deployment decisions are made to address the specific needs of each precinct.
Business owners in the Bronx welcomed the prospect of increased police presence, citing the positive impact it could have on maintaining peace and order in the community. Joe, the manager of a clothing store called Bon Bini, expressed his belief that a visible police presence helps deter potential criminals and contributes to a safer environment for residents and businesses alike.
A worker at Best Italian Pizza echoed Joe’s sentiments, highlighting the prevalence of violence in the area and the need for proactive measures to address it effectively. The worker emphasized the importance of law enforcement in maintaining public safety and preventing acts of violence.
While citywide shooting incidents have shown a slight decrease of 9.4% compared to the previous year, the 52nd precinct in the northern Bronx has experienced a significant increase of 54.5% in shooting incidents. This alarming trend underscores the urgency of enhancing police presence in high-crime areas to prevent further violence and protect residents.
Feliz specifically called for more police patrols in the 46th, 48th, and 52nd precincts in the Bronx to deter criminals and ensure the safety of the community. By increasing police visibility in these areas, Feliz believes that law enforcement can effectively address the rising crime rates and restore a sense of security for residents.
According to NYPD data, shooting incidents have risen by 19% in the 48th precinct and 18.2% in the 46th precinct compared to the previous year. Additionally, murder rates in the Bronx’s 46th precinct have increased by 33.3% year over year, with four reported murders so far in 2024.
In a tragic incident on September 12, a local resident, Leslie Sanchez, was brutally beaten to death with a metal baseball bat in the 46th precinct. The unprovoked attack shocked the community and highlighted the urgent need for enhanced law enforcement measures to prevent such heinous crimes.
Two suspects, Romel Jarret and Terrence Downes, were arrested and charged in connection with Sanchez’s murder. The Bronx District Attorney’s office is expected to update the charges against the suspects as the case progresses through the legal system.
While the 52nd precinct has not seen an increase in murders compared to citywide statistics, the 48th precinct has shown a significant decrease of nearly 50% in murder rates year over year. Feliz’s advocacy for increased police presence in these precincts aims to address the specific needs of each community and enhance public safety measures.
In conclusion, the urgent call for more police presence in the Bronx district by City Council member Oswald Feliz reflects the pressing need to address the escalating levels of violent crime in the borough. By increasing police patrols in high-crime areas and enhancing law enforcement efforts, the community can work towards creating a safer and more secure environment for all residents. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and local businesses are essential in combating crime and ensuring the well-being of Bronx residents.
