New 116th Precinct Opens in Southeast Queens, Promising Enhanced Safety and Community Collaboration

Southeast Queens residents celebrated the opening of the new 116th precinct on North Conduit Avenue, which officials say will enhance local emergency response times. The newly established precinct, dedicated to improving public safety, is expected to decrease the long-standing delays that have plagued the area due to inadequate policing resources.

City leaders, including Mayor Eric Adams and Borough President Donovan Richards, highlighted the historic need for this precinct, which addresses the disproportionate service challenges faced by their community. During the ceremony, Richards stated that residents had long deserved a police presence that matches their tax contributions, and he emphasized that the new precinct marks a significant shift away from previous disinvestment in the area (Source: https://youtu.be/YE2WJHboLAc&t=1790).

In the past, the 116th precinct had to cover an enormous territory, leading to response times that often hindered effective policing. Local leaders noted that having a dedicated precinct will directly impact the ability of officers to respond swiftly to emergencies. The reassigned officers will enhance the capacity to manage incidents within closer proximity, which is vital for maintaining public safety (Source: https://youtu.be/YE2WJHboLAc&t=1358).

Community members expressed enthusiasm over the facilities’ new features, which include a food pantry, a community room, and an outdoor plaza intended to foster relationships between officers and residents. This community-oriented approach is seen as essential for rebuilding trust between the police and the neighborhoods they serve (Source: https://youtu.be/YE2WJHboLAc&t=1789).

Officials acknowledged that while the precinct is a critical step toward improving safety, effective policing must also involve addressing broader social issues, such as housing stability and educational opportunities, which are essential for long-term community well-being (Source: https://youtu.be/YE2WJHboLAc&t=1790).

Overall, the 116th precinct represents a collaborative effort by local leaders and the community to enhance emergency response capabilities, bringing promise to previously underserved neighborhoods in Southeast Queens.