The Q at Parkside

(for those for whom the Parkside Q is their hometrain)

News and Nonsense from the Brooklyn neighborhood of Lefferts and environs, or more specifically a neighborhood once known as Melrose Park. Sometimes called Lefferts Gardens. Or Prospect-Lefferts Gardens. Or PLG. Or North Flatbush. Or Caledonia (west of Ocean). Or West Pigtown. Across From Park Slope. Under Crown Heights. Near Drummer's Grove. The Side of the Park With the McDonalds. Jackie Robinson Town. Home of Lefferts Manor. West Wingate. Near Kings County Hospital. Or if you're coming from the airport in taxi, maybe just Flatbush is best.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Operation Crew Cut

If you want to meet and express yourself to the cops at the 71st, go to the Precinct Community Council meeting at 7PM at the school at the corner of NY Ave and Empire, kitty corner from the precinct itself. They meet once a month and could use more involvement.

Finally from the NY Times publishes an article that nails the issue. The Q has been privy to enough "intel" around hear to know this is very, very accurate. Here's hoping the 71st finds a way to move forward in light of what's really happening. And what's that, exactly? Street crews involved in petty arguments are fueling the increase in shootings. And when I say petty, I mean petty petty petty. Want to know why we can't keep these guys behind bars? Well, unless they actually shot someone and it can be proved, or were caught with an illegal gun and it can be proved, it's really hard to get these low level crews on anything but public drinking or weed. We know who the guys are, we even sometimes know the beefs. So...what next? That's why I wanted to find out what the D.A. could do about it, since the gang laws can sometimes be used. At one particular building, an attempt is being made to toss those in an apartment on Section 8 fraud, since it's hard to kick someone out of their home, particularly if the lease-holder isn't involved in the criminal activity.

Times on Crews

I've forwarded everything I've written, and the comments you all have made, and a letter asking for an Impact Zone or greater undercover operations, and generally more presence on the streets, to those above the level of the precinct (Kelly's office and Brooklyn South). It's only my opinion, but I don't think the 71st is corrupt. Vinnie's been there for years under many commanders. Jack is a decent guy, as are many of his underlings. They work hard, and they share what they know openly. They explain the struggles they're having and it makes sense to meet. They're in over their heads though, and they need help from every angle.

Sure it sucks to keep meeting and feel like we're not getting results. But you can't expect overnight miracles. And even though we meet, very few of us step forward to keep the pressure on. An email list of those interested in meeting pretty regularly is growing, and I'd love to add your name. I'll keep you up to date on things that don't belong in a public forum like this. Let me know if you want on. It's completely fine to let the authorities do their job and go about your business. But the spike in shootings around here is very real, and we need all the attention and sharing of info we can get.

9 comments:

pavanit said...

This is tonight? I'll be there.

Clarkson FlatBed said...

Third Thursday of every month (except July and August)

Anon. said...

Everyone, the 71st Community Meeting has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, the 25th. Just FYI.

Clarkson FlatBed said...

Viva le Sukkot! Next Wednesday it is...

Anonymous said...

Come on!! What a cop out.

Rararuuu said...

Had some ladies and gents from the 71st visit me Saturday morning (quite to my surprise, being buck naked and playing my piano and all). There were about five of them in plain clothes, all searching for a perp who supposedly was using our building to hide out for whatever it was he did (they didn't tell me). I think the police were more surprised by my reaction than they were (totally interrupting my zen moment!), but considering I live in THE 320 empire Blvd where a young man met his maker not more than a year and half ago, I was definitely thinking the worst. They were nothing but kind, so no dogging them there, but they didn't leave me any info and I didn't know how I can go about getting more. We're only a hop skip and jump away from HQs, so I'm not unfamiliar with seeing them walk the beat around my hood, but having them at my door and looking for a perp was a bit of a shocker. Any ideas as to what's going on here? There was also a vigil not two weeks ago at 289 Empire across the street, tons of young folks and candles, but no word still.

Clarkson FlatBed said...

Rararuuu: Pretty sure they were responding to a slew of calls about someone buck naked playing a piano.

The Snob said...

Tim, is there any indication that the 71st could get the resources needed to launch Crew Cut here? I read this article and thought, hallelujah, someone at least has a plan. But it's in Brownsville.

Clarkson FlatBed said...

Snob: Operation Crew Cut is City-Wide. It's here already, and has been for some time. They were talking about street crews when I first starting engaging the 71st and gang squads about three years ago, long before Lewis came along.