Minutes of October 24, 2007 Meeting

Wednesday, October 24, 2007, 7:30 PM

United Cerebral Palsy of New York
175 Lawrence Avenue, Brooklyn, New York

Officers Present
Ed Powell, President
Beverley Kilpatrick, Vice President
Roseanne Boland, Treasurer
Jonathan Judge, Recording Secretary
Laura James, Corresponding Secretary
Mavis Theodore, Sergeant-at-Arms

Elected Officials & Other Representatives
Elliot Schreiber for Borough President Marty Markowitz
Daniel Murphy for District Attorney Charles Hynes
Eli Slavin for Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
Roz Sokol for Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz
Wendy Ann Powell for Assembly Member Rhoda Jacobs
Pinni Ringle for Council Member Simcha Felder

The regular meeting of the 70th Precinct Community Council was called to order at 7:45 PM. President Powell invited everyone to join him in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The President then acknowledged the various representatives of elected officials present at the meeting (see above). He then invited officers and guest speakers to give their reports and presentations to the council.

1. New 70th Precinct Community Council Blog – Jonathan Judge, Recording Secretary

The 70th Precinct Community Council now has a web presence at http://70PctCC.blogspot.com. Updates and other useful information concerning the council, the NYPD and public safety will be periodically posted on the blog. Everyone is encouraged to visit it, offer any comments or suggestions on how to improve it, and, most importantly, utilize it to stay informed.

2. Presentation Regarding Barrier Free Justice Program – Dan Murphy & Catherine Reed, Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes’ Office

Barrier Free Justice is a program at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office that assists women from the Disabled or Deaf community who are victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. A collaboration of the District Attorney’s office, Barrier Free Living and South Brooklyn Legal Services, Barrier Free Justice is run by social workers, case managers and attorneys who understand disability and abuse. The aim of Barrier Free Justice is to ensure that women are heard, informed and provided the opportunity to participate. They support women throughout the criminal prosecution and beyond.

The D.A.’s office also provides translation and other support services for immigrants who have been victims of crimes. For more information, contact the Kings County District Attorney’s Office Barrier Free Justice Coordinator, Heidi Pascuiti, at (718) 250-3609.

3. Det. Dillon Stewart Playground Dedication Ceremony Planning Meeting – Jonathan Judge

Brooklyn Community Board 14 District Manager Doris Ortíz invited everyone to attend the Board’s Joint Public Safety, Community Environment, and Youth Services Committee meeting on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 7 PM, to be held at Brooklyn Community Board 14’s District Office, 810 East 16th Street, Brooklyn, NY between Avenue H and the Dead End. The committees will be finalizing the preparations for the dedication ceremony that will memorialize Det. Dillon Stewart, who was killed in the line of duty in November 2005, by renaming the Parade Ground Playground after him. Anyone who would like to assist with the ceremony should attend this meeting. For more information, contact the Board office at (718) 859-6357.

4. Cops of the Month & Remarks – Inspector Thomas J. Harris, Commanding Officer

June 2007: Police Officer Gerald Gucchiara & Police Officer William Codero
The officers spotted a car that was driving recklessly. In the course of investigating the situation, the driver of the car ran out, and when the suspect was nabbed, he tried to take hold of Officer Gucchiara’s gun. Nevertheless, the officer retained his firearm and the suspect was arrested. The car itself was, in fact, reported stolen from within the confines of the 63rd Precinct.

August 2007: Police Officer Joseph Imperatrice & Police Officer Vlad Green
A robbery was reported on Rugby Road near Cortelyou Road. The two officers heard the report come over the radio and, based on the descriptions given, immediately spotted individuals fitting the description, one of whom was armed, trying to get onto the Cortelyou Road “Q” Train Station. The officers made the arrests.

September 2007: Police Officer Michael Katinas & Police Officer John Petrie
During the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn, officers spotted a man carrying around an AK-47 assault rifle. The suspect attempted to flee, but was heroically captured by Officers Katinas and Petrie and was put under arrest.

Theodore Roosevelt Award for Lieutenant Jacqueline Bourne
Lieutenant Jacqueline Bourne was recently awarded the prestigious Theodore Roosevelt Award by Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly for her perseverance in overcoming several physical obstacles while demonstrating excellent performance on the job during her career.

State of the 70th Precinct Report
Crime is down in all major crime categories except for felonious assaults. The hardworking officers of this precinct are continuing to bring crime down overall for the community’s residents.

Sentencing for Convicted Murderer of Det. Dillon Stewart
Allan Cameron was convicted for the murder of Det. Dillon Stewart and will be sentenced on November 8, 2007. For more information about the sentencing, please contact the 70th Precinct at (718) 851-5511.

Halloween Preparations
The 70th Precinct will be out in full force on Halloween and will be working to ensure that all the community’s children have a safe and fun evening.

5. Open Forum with Officers of the 70th Precinct – Inspector Harris

The following public safety issues were brought up by residents:

(a) 25 Parade Place – Continued problems with guns and drugs in front of the apartment building.

(b) A Ditmas Avenue apartment building has problems with individuals making drug deals in the building.

(c) Mr. Elliot Schreiber commented on how dramatically crime has gone down since when he grew up in the area. He commended the officers for a continued job well done.

(d) 353 Ocean Avenue – A resident commended the actions taken by officers who responded to noise complaints about a party that was continuing into the early morning during the summer. Police officers arrived and responded by confiscating the speakers.

After hearing their concerns, Inspector Harris directed officers to assist residents with resolving their issues.

6. Announcements

Halloween Party at the 70th Precinct – Lt. Jacqueline Bourne
The 70th Precinct is hosting a Halloween Party for children on Friday, October 26, 2007 at 4 PM in the 70th Precinct, located at 154 Lawrence Avenue, between Ocean Parkway and Seton Place. There will be raffles, giveaways, treats and games. All are invited to attend.

Used Cell Phone & Charger Drive for Victims of Domestic Violence – Shawn Riback, Boy Scout
In order to fulfill his community service requirements to become an Eagle Scout, he is holding a used cell phone and charger recycling drive, which will be used to raise money for victims of domestic violence. For more information on how to participate, contact Assembly Member Rhoda Jacob’s office at (718) 434-0446 or (718) 940-0428.

President Powell reminded all that the next meeting of the Council will be held at United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (175 Lawrence Avenue) on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at 7:30 PM.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Jonathan Judge, Recording Secretary