Opening of 116th Police Precinct in Southeast Queens Represents Hope for Enhanced Public Safety and Trust

The newly opened 116th police precinct in South Eastern Queens marks a significant milestone for the community, which had been underserved in terms of police coverage. Mayor Eric Adams and local leaders celebrated the launch of the precinct, emphasizing its importance for public safety and community policing.

During the announcement, Mayor Adams highlighted that the residents of Southeast Queens, despite paying high taxes, had been facing issues related to inadequate policing, including long response times due to a single precinct serving an extensive area. Advocates argued that building trust with the police was essential for community safety, which had been challenged by the previous precinct’s limitations. Adams expressed that this new facility not only aims to enhance community safety but also features amenities like a community room and a food pantry, which are intended to bridge the gap between law enforcement and local residents (Source: https://youtu.be/YE2WJHboLAc&t=1789).

Local leaders, including State Senator James Sanders and Borough President Donovan Richards, reflected on the years of advocacy that led to this achievement. They noted the persistence of community members who campaigned for improved police services and the necessity of a new precinct, which had been a dream for many. Sanders remarked on the challenges in obtaining adequate resources and the historical necessity of addressing public safety in the context of community needs (Source: https://youtu.be/YE2WJHboLAc&t=1358).

The project faced various hurdles, including previous disinvestment in the area, leading to a lack of trust in police services. It was noted that while having a new precinct is a step forward, true public safety rests on broader societal issues such as stable housing and educational opportunities. Adams stressed that merely constructing a new building would not solve all problems, but rather calls for innovative approaches to policing and community collaboration (Source: https://youtu.be/YE2WJHboLAc&t=1230).

This inaugural opening is seen as a pivotal development for South Eastern Queens, signifying a shift towards improving community safety and fostering a cooperative relationship between residents and law enforcement.