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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 22, 2024 | The Indian Eye 14

Mayor Adams Announces

Opening of Neighborhood Satellite Command

in College Point, Queens

109th Neighborhood Satellite Command Will Increase Personnel and Decrease Response

Times Throughout Flushing, College Point, and Whitestone Neighborhoods

OUR BUREAU
NEW YORK, NY
ew York City Mayor Eric Adams and New
York City Police Department (NYPD) In-
Nterim Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon
have announced the opening of the 109th Neigh-
borhood Satellite Command in College Point,
Queens. The new neighborhood satellite command
effectively divides the 109th Precinct into two re-
sponse zones, enabling NYPD personnel to re-
spond from a decentralized location — effectively
allowing officers to more swiftly respond to emer-
gencies and 911 calls as they help New Yorkers in
need in high-demand locales. The satellite com-
mand will utilize existing space at the NYPD’s Po-
lice Academy and will have an additional 54 police
officers and 12 supervisors assigned to it.
“The community spoke, and we listened — and
now, we are putting the needs of working people
first with the opening of the 109th Neighborhood
Satellite Command in College Point,” said Mayor
Adams. “The launch of this neighborhood satellite
command will help improve emergency response
times in a precinct that faces unique challenges due
to its geographic size and population density. By response time committee that analyzed data, pat- New York City and having this satellite subdivision
adding additional personnel and enhancing opera- terns, and trends related to emergency response. will allow for police to respond more effectively
tional capabilities, we are creating a safer environ- The committee found that the geographic layout and expeditiously to help lower the crime rate and
ment for the residents of College Point, Flushing, of the precinct — which spans a large area — ex- keep our community safe.”
and Whitestone, and showing that government can acerbates response times and that the distance of- “The new 109th Neighborhood Satellite Com-
work for working-class New Yorkers. The satellite ficers travel from the current precinct — located mand in College Point reflects our commitment
command not only reflects a commitment to com- in Flushing — to the more remote College Point to efficient, cost-effective public safety service
munity safety but demonstrates the importance of and Whitestone neighborhoods, contributes to the delivery,” said New York State Assemblymember
how the community plays a pivotal role in keeping delay in response. Jenifer Rajkumar. “After the community called
the public safe.” Recognizing this critical challenge, the com- for more law enforcement in the 109th Precinct,
“The men and women of the 109th Precinct mittee proposed the establishment of a neigh- the city listened and is opening a second response
are excited to broaden their reach in northern borhood satellite command at the New York City zone. The satellite precinct will supercharge
Queens in support of the NYPD’s overarching Police Academy, located within the College Point NYPD response times in a high-demand area,
public safety mission,” said NYPD Interim Com- neighborhood. allowing law enforcement to swiftly come to the
missioner Donlon. “The creation of this new “The 109th Police Precinct covers the city’s aid of New Yorkers in their times of crisis. The
neighborhood satellite command will enhance our largest geographical area, and this new satellite satellite precinct is also fiscally responsible, being
ability to serve the community and contribute to base will help ensure faster response times, in- housed in existing NYPD space. Together, we will
the ongoing decrease in crime and disorder, which creased visibility, and safer streets for everyone provide all the resources necessary to keep New
has already seen a nearly 5 percent drop in this in our community,” said New York State Senator Yorkers safe.”
command this year. We are grateful to the com- John Liu. “Long before I assumed office, the White-
munity leaders who advocated for this solution, as “I want to thank the NYPD and Mayor Adams stone and College Point communities have des-
we are confident that it will not only instill a sense for making this investment in our community,” perately pled for an additional precinct to address
of safety in New Yorkers, but also actively promote said New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. increasing public safety concerns,” said New York
their well-being.” “Public safety is a critical issue. Over the last two State Assemblymember Sam Berger. “This satel-
During a 2023 meeting with “We Love White- years I have had numerous conversations with the lite is a necessary step in the right direction, and I
stone,” a local community organization, residents administration about placing more resources in the thank Mayor Adams for hearing the voices of resi-
articulated their frustration of delayed emergen- northern section of the 109th Precinct and I know dents. I look forward to working with the city as we
cy response times. As a result of that meeting, the residents of Queens are grateful for this com- advocate for more resources to what is currently
Mayor Adams convened a dedicated 911 advisory mitment. The 109th Precinct is one of the largest in the densest precinct in New York City.”

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