Question of the Day: Private Security?
On the same day last week, we heard in the morning from a policeman that the 88th Precinct (Fort Greene and Clinton Hill) had finally gotten a boost in manpower and in the afternoon that our neighbor across the street had been robbed the night before. We’re wondering what people think about the idea of…
On the same day last week, we heard in the morning from a policeman that the 88th Precinct (Fort Greene and Clinton Hill) had finally gotten a boost in manpower and in the afternoon that our neighbor across the street had been robbed the night before. We’re wondering what people think about the idea of supplementing the local police force with some private security. Our GC told us he thinks the local “bad guys” won’t be put off by rent-a-cops. Other people have said that bringing in private security would only antagonize relations between gentrifiers and old-timers. We’re sure other people’s response will be “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” But if you’ve already committed to being in a neighborhood, should political correctness stop you from doing everything you can to ensure the safety of your family? Is passing the hat to your neighbors to raise money for a night-time patrol realistic?
Try the block association patrol route first.
B-stoner neighbor,
What did they take? and how did they get it back over the 6′ fence? Was your back door locked? Not trying to blame the victim (very sorry this happened to you) just curious?
I am the neighbor to Brownstoner who was robbed. We are now having ADT installed and did not have it when we were burgled. We do have bars on the back lower windows, but they got in thru the back door. We believe as do the police that it was a neighbor who had access to our garden. In fact, they jumped over the 6″ fence. Unfortuantley, a block patrol or private security cannot see in the back of our houses. What all of our neighbors need to do is install sensor lights.
As to that Greenpoint resident, in my opinion, your housing stock, location and lack of diversity make your neighborhood much less desirable despite your “low” crime rate. So, I’m staying in Clinton Hill and no robber is going to deter me or my family.
Jesus, is there something insulting about that? Is there something wrong with being poor or working class? As someone whose family was on food stamps when I was young, I take offense. Give me a break, will I offend you if I lock my door at night or is that elitist too?
oooh, but then again, you did post your floor plans online…
Maybe private security is not such a bad idea after all. Why involve the neighbors, just hire your own personal night watchman. I’m sure some “working class black guy” would be happy to oblige.
mrs. b,
That sounds pretty rude of the cops, but I’m going to play devil’s advocate. Maybe what they heard was some new yuppie informing them of a drug problem they’ve known about for some time — probably one of many they deal with with limited resources — and saying “People like me live here now! Time for you to straighten up!”
Police should want to get input from the community, of course, but maybe they thought you were implying that, if there are drugs on that corner, it must be because the cops are lazy or stupid, because otherwise they would have taken care of it already. Which even if correct is not going to get you anywhere.
I’m not saying those were your words or even your tone, but gentrification situations always lead to people reading things into what their new neighbors are saying.
The bottom line is, why fix it if it ain’t broke. Crime is at historic lows. I still think people are exaggerating what “private security” means, as if we’d have some occupying army in our streets or something, but the reality is that the area is so safe that a little common sense is about all you need (knock on wood).
People get robbed everywhere. Even in Park Slope and the Upper East Side and Westchester. It’s sad but it’s a fact of life I guess. I’m not saying you shouldn’t be concerned about what happens across the street from your house – as everyone here is saying you should definitely be involved and active and speak up and give a damn. But presumably you have bars on lower/back windows, and I’m guessing you probably have an alarm system. Now private security. What next? And to reiterate what the poster below said, YOU HAVEN’T EVEN MOVED IN YET!!!
Are you serious???!!! You’re moving to CH from WILLIAMSBURG. Don’t they have crime? I’ve heard about numerous rapes and muggings over there. In CH (where I’ve lived for almot 7 years), not so much.
Maybe an alarm system would be appropriate if you’re really worried. (Did your neighbors who got robbed have one?) But private security, come on. Would they wear jackboots and goosestep around with German Shepards?
Viva Apartheid!
I agree with anon. 10:29, maybe you should flip your house and move to CT.