Mayor Adams Unveils 116th Police Precinct in Southeast Queens, Aiming for Improved Emergency Response and Community Relations

Officials inaugurated the new 116th Police Precinct in Southeast Queens, aiming to address long-standing public safety issues in the community. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the precinct’s importance in providing timely police services, which had previously faced significant delays due to a lack of resources. He noted that it is essential that all neighborhoods receive equal attention and support from city services, echoing the sentiments of local residents who have advocated for better policing conditions for years.

The new precinct is designed not only to enhance police responses but also to foster stronger community relations. Speakers at the opening stressed that mere construction of a building would not suffice; they called for new approaches in policing that prioritize collaboration between officers and community members. Local leaders highlighted the new precinct’s facilities, which include spaces for community engagement, such as a food pantry, a community room, and a plaza intended to bridge connections between residents and police.

Community advocates, including long-time resident Beth de Beatham, expressed pride and excitement over the precinct’s establishment, reflecting a collective effort that has culminated in this milestone. De Beatham noted the community’s history of slow police response times and indicated a shift towards a more organized and efficient policing model (Source: https://youtu.be/YE2WJHboLAc&t=1358).

The precinct’s location is strategically important, as prior police coverage stretched over large areas, resulting in operational challenges. Community leaders anticipated that this new setup would facilitate better policing and reliability in emergency situations (Source: https://youtu.be/YE2WJHboLAc&t=1595).

Mayor Adams articulated a broader vision for public safety, emphasizing that a police precinct alone cannot resolve underlying issues such as poverty and lack of opportunities. He argued for comprehensive community services, stating that investments need to extend beyond law enforcement to include housing, education, and job opportunities, framing this initiative as part of a community-oriented approach to public safety (Source: https://youtu.be/YE2WJHboLAc&t=1932).

The efforts to establish the 116th precinct are seen as a culmination of years of community advocacy—fulfilling a promise to provide safer environments and fostering trust between residents and law enforcement. Local leaders expressed optimism that the new facility would serve as a model for policing in the 21st century, focusing on proactive community interactions rather than merely reactive law enforcement (Source: https://youtu.be/YE2WJHboLAc&t=1230).