Assemblyman William Colton (D – Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Dyker Heights) SPOKE at a socially distanced community meeting held at the Chinese American Social Service Center, chaired by Dr. Tim Law, with Captain Rubin, Executive Officer of the 62 Pct, and other officers, as the speaker. The 62nd Pct. is scheduling a series of meetings to reach out to the community to get the input on keeping good community relations. The Captain has reported the good news that crime in our Precinct continues to be very low.

The problem of fireworks and the need to reduce them were raised at the meeting. The Captain acknowledged there has been a large number of fireworks incidents in our neighborhood. The captain pointed out that under NYC policy NYPD will be one of several city agencies in a multi-agency task force to focus on cutting off the suppliers and people should call 311 to report incidents and he promised officers will be sent out. NYPD Brochures were given out stressing the dangers of private fireworks. Assemblyman Colton stated we will continue working with such agencies to get this problem under control but that we must support and respect our NYPD. The Assemblyman stated “Let me make it clear I do not support “defunding the police", and I urge we give all these dedicated men and women police officers a big round of applause for going out every day, risking their lives to protect all of us”: which was greeted by applause from those attending the meeting.

"This meeting reinforced the continuing good relationship between the community and the 62nd Pct. "I strongly believe the support our community shows the police is an important reason our neighborhood continues to enjoy a low crime rate. We will continue to work unite all people, fight all forms of hate and racism and work to create a safe and secure neighborhood," Colton added.