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?
To Anon 5:11pm, true, the average American does not live in a 7 figure home. But the average American isn’t rich either. (Read ch 4:54pm when he says Brownstoner is rich.) Have a good weekend.
to last anon maybe in your circle of friends…the average american does not live in a 7 figure home.
To Ch, sorry, if Brownstoner were rich, this blog would probably be about what it’s like to live at 720 or 740 Park Avenue or 820, 834, or 960 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, rather than renovating some rowhouse in Brooklyn.
get out there yourself. it’s your neighborhood. i have a key to the kid’s park next to my building and I lock the gate at night if it’s open. i’ve yelled at and kicked out a guy peeing and a couple screwing. and i’m a scrawny white guy.
you’ll have right on your side. you’re a homeowner and a resident. rent-a-cops are just collecting a paycheck. Caring for your neighborhood is not something you can outsource.
(and brownstoner, i like you, but honestly, you’re rich. don’t try to pass yourself off as “far from rich” because you’re struggling to renovate a four-story brownstone while you make weekly trips to Connecticut to buy antique cast iron sinks. i mean, i’m struggling to install a dishwasher in my tiny co-op, and i make 50% more than the NYC median income.)
Lefferts place poster-can you post your email as well? I’d be interested in talking with you.
Hi, I just read this thread. I live on Lefferts Place in Clinton Hill. Lefferts has a block association comprised of new and old residents- all of whom get along – it is very collegial. The same issues are raised in meetings without the vitriol I’ve seen on this post. Trust me, old residents who’ve lived on the block all their life have the same issues – and from what I understand have raised them for years.
One proposal that is being explored right now is a community watch patrol using a car that is done in conjunction with the police. I’m not sure how it will work if we do it, but the police are to meet with us to explain how it could work and be effective.
As to the posts about communicating with your neighbors – that is crucial of course. At the same time, generalizations like those on the thread that say white people won’t talk to blacks are just that, generalizations. I am white, know and get along with my neighbors black and white. I’ve had plenty of instances of no eye contact, no response, teeth sucking or even spitting when I’ve said hi to black people on the blocks near my house (thankfully not my neighbors!) but I do NOT take this as meaning all black people behave that way.
I really do not think it is productive to use this blog as a means to generalize about the white or black, rich or poor, old or new residents. Everyone has an interest in a safe, diverse community and if the Lefferts Place Block Association meetings are any indication, such concerns cross race and class lines without any of the sort of backlash you see on this site.
I will talk to the next Lefferts Place Block Association meeting and see if we can get a subcommittee together to liaise with the other block associations and Clinton Hill society to see if the police of the 88th can meet with all of us and explain what they think about a community watch program and how it can help them and the community. That way, everyone can listen to the police’s take on this and then discuss whether it would be helpful.
If anyone else is a member of a block association and would be interested in this, please let me know.
Anon at 7:38pm,
Come on now, where’d you leave your sense of humor. No, unfortunately, I would never just stand by and watch the hipster dude get biatch-slapped. Seriously, I have risked my life to help strangers. In one incident, many years ago in a much rougher South Slope, I jumped into a brawl – actually it was too one-sided to be a brawl – it was a solid beat down – about half dozen thugs were beating the crap out of a teenager (I had never seen any of them before). Have you ever seen anyone being viciously beaten – like having their head kicked and smashed into the sidewalk. That’s what I’m talking about.
Anyhow, not saying I quite won that fight, but things would have been a lot uglier if I hadn’t stepped in. When it ended (after the cops took forever to come break it up), the kid was able to actually stand up and brush himself off vs. the alternative scenario of being carried away in an ambulance. I think these guys were so shocked that a total strnager stepped in, that it kinda took the wind out of their sails – cause I only had a few bruises and scratches. Fortunately nobody pulled a knife or a gun.
This was a few blocks from my apt, and while I don’t remember much about the incident other than a lot of pushing, punching, and name-calling, I do distinctly recall muttering as I was racing towards my potential demise, “there is no way in h*ll I am gonna let somebody get murdered practically in front of my home.” Note that I was a renter at the time. You don’t have to own a brownstone to be territorial and care about your nabe.
And frankly, I seriously doubt any keystone cop-for-hire would have risked their life to intervene. IMO, if neighbors can’t take responsibility for security, then nobody else well.
Can’t we all just get along? Please.
Brownstoner said it. Private Security is in effect in several Brooklyn neighborhoods and has been for many, many years. The companies that provide private security offer it to anyone community that wants it, and can come up with the cash.
If a neighborhood finds itself in a position where enough homeowners find that they can afford private security, and want to improve the general safety of their neighborhood – go for it.
As Ditmas Park nabes have demonstrated, the have nots and old timers who can’t or choose not to pay for security (although many actually do pay for it) general LIKE having the security patrol cruising down their street, deterring potential criminals, FREE OF CHARGE. Basically, people are OK with the situation. I’ve never heard any comments about class, entitlement, gentrification, etc… Crime affects people of all colors.