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?
Anon w/private security in Victorian Flatbush,
Many of the benefits you mentioned are things that I rely on neighbors for, such as watching and checking on my house when I am away, checking on my family if I’m not there to, etc. And if my alarm goes off, the security co. will call me, or if I can’t be reached will try to reach designated neighbors, who would secure my home, etc. As for walking somebody home from the subway, I can see how Victorian Flatbush might be kinda desolate on the street after dark, but the brownstone nabes generally have a much livlier street life. It sounds like the private patrols in th Flatbush nabes are there as much to keep the streets clear of nusance elements, as for safety (or do you see them as being one and the same). Also, as someone already pointed out, standalone houses are a different animal than attached townhouses. Also, in some respect, the Flatbush nabes are more homogeneous – not by race or ethnicity, but by ownership, values, etc. I don’t think Clinton Hill is comparable in the least.
We looked at many neighborhoods in Brooklyn when buying our home. The private securtity that already existed here was one of the reasons we settled on Ditmas Park.
I lived in a coop on the Lower East Side previous to that. Another very diverse community. I chose my coop there because it had 24 hour private security. I was a single mother with a little girl. I don’t think it mattered what color I was, or anyone else. It gave me, and my neighbors, who came in all hues, incredible peace of mind.
anon at 1:27 — you mention that only paying members can have security escort them from the subway. Are the other services you mention also available only to paying members, or to everyone?
Some people here have said the class issue shouldn’t matter, since the whole neighborhood would benefit equally. But if you basically have some people paying to be safer than others on their block, that’s gotta create resentment. Especially in a nabe with big income disparities. (Perhaps that’s not as much an issue in Ditmas / PPS / etc. as it is in CH?)
Have you had any issues between security haves and have-nots?
Thank you, Ditmas Park resident. Finally, someone willing to counter the hysterical class-war mongering of most of the posts below. My sister is moving into the housing complexes on Lafayette and Clinton, and she was very pleased to see they have 24 hour security in those buildings. It’s just a lone guard in a booth–not some oppressive force of elitist gentrifiers roughing up every local they see. I’m sure all of the residents in those buildings are happy to have that guard there for their own safety, and I’m sure they view the guards as friends, not oppressors.
Are you just worried about your house being violated, or do you wish to have the entire neighborhood made more “secure?” The individual Victorian Flatbush neighborhoods have had private security for many years. It isn’t perfect, but it does provide many services that I, personally, appreciate. By the way, if you’ve ever been here, you’ll know that Ditmas Park is hardly a “gated community” – and that the community is very integrated, including home owners.
Private Security in my neighborhood works into the wee hours on Friday and Saturday nights. The paying members for the private security chose these extended weekend hours, because noise issues are at a peak then. Security cars, if called by a paying security patrol member (you need give a password), will meet you at the subway late at night and follow you home, if you feel at all threatened. Furthermore, they will continually check your home when you are away on vacation to make sure all seems well, and will ring your front door bell to make sure children getting home from school (middle schoolers, high schoolers) have actually arrived. If your alarm goes off, ADT will contact the security patrol as well as the homeowner. In many instances, the security patrol will get their long before you will. If your locks or windows are damaged and you are away, they will arrange to have the house secured. I could go on…
To make security cost effective in this neighborhood (not PPS), we need half of all homeowners to sign on each year. The more people that sign up, the cheaper the service becomes for the community.
We thought long and hard about signing up for private security, and then renewing it. It isn’t cheap, but I’m glad we did it. Especially since we have children who are getting older, and wanting greater independence. By the way, if you don’t establish private security while your kids are young, it may not be there when your kids are older – when you really will appreciate it the most.
I’d like to hear someone explain the fundamental difference between private security and police. One is paid for by the community, provides security of questionable efficacy, is bound by the law and accountable to the community. The other…same thing. Only difference I can see is that the police carry guns which makes them more effective but also prone to the occasional beating or killing. Private cops are relatively puny, so why are they branded as elitist? What’s all the fuss about?
Josh K, there is no acceptable level of crime, however given where we live, it is inevitable that at some point in time, someone you know will be a victim of it.
And yes in a perfect world no one should care if a group of people put together money to hire a security guard. The fact is that there seems to be a fine line to tread between moving into a community and acting as such, and moving into a house within a community.
My house was broken into couple years ago. Guy must have used crowbar to pry open the ‘hatch’ in front of house that goes down into cellar.
Now instead of just the sliding latch I have one of those
stong bike locks on inside of hatch doors.
When a newcomer moves in to a more ‘questionable area’ (area with rep for higher crime)- and hears 1st hand of crime closeby they tend to react more strongly.
Am I making mistake?, or ohmygod it isn’t safe!
If someone moves to UES and happens next door they are more apt to take it in stride but when moving to ‘poorer’ area it reaffirms their misgivings.
I doubt very much trying to get neighboors pay for private security is likely to get much support nor be effective if there was one.
The policemans response was absolutely inexcusable and should be reported to higher up or local politician.