Southeast Queens Welcomes New 116th Police Precinct, Aiming for Safer Streets and Stronger Community Ties

The new 116th police precinct in South Eastern Queens opened recently, promising to enhance community safety and provide essential resources. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the precinct’s role in restoring public safety and building community trust during a dedication ceremony.

Community leaders expressed pride and relief at the opening of the precinct, which had been a long-standing goal for local residents. According to Beth de Beatham, a community advocate, the new station provides the community with critical services, such as a food pantry and a community room, designed to bridge gaps between residents and police officers (Source: https://youtu.be/YE2WJHboLAc&t=1050). This addition reflects a commitment to better policing by ensuring officers can respond effectively to local concerns, an issue that has plagued the area with slow response times in the past.

In his remarks, Mayor Adams acknowledged that public safety extends beyond police presence. He asserted that genuine safety is linked to stable housing, jobs, and education. He noted that the precinct would serve as a model for community policing in the 21st century, particularly in communities of color (Source: https://youtu.be/YE2WJHboLAc&t=1365). The vision for the precinct includes not just law enforcement, but also a focus on preventing crime through community engagement and support services.

The precinct will offer various community resources, helping foster a sense of security and belonging among residents. Local officials, such as State Senator James Sanders, highlighted the importance of government responsiveness to community needs and the role of this precinct in achieving that goal (Source: https://youtu.be/YE2WJHboLAc&t=1230).

Additionally, the ongoing commitment to investing in the community was reaffirmed with nearly $40 million allocated for future development projects aimed at improving public spaces and social services in South Eastern Queens (Source: https://youtu.be/YE2WJHboLAc&t=1932). This financial support is seen as crucial for addressing the underlying issues of crime, such as poverty and lack of opportunities.

Overall, the launch of the 116th precinct signifies a renewed focus on public safety through community-oriented policing strategies, alongside essential support services for residents in South Eastern Queens.