Crime In The County
by Rebecca Lewis
Since last year, we have been seeing a rise in crime in Nassau County, especially with robberies. In the third precinct in particular, where New Hyde Park is located, grand larceny is up by 29.62%, total robbery is up by 19.64%, and major crimes up 10.93%. It makes one think: just how safe are you in your neighborhood?
Earlier this year, Nassau County Executive, Edward Mangano, announced his plan to close half the county’s precincts. The second and eight, third and sixth, and fourth and fifth precincts have already been consolidated, with the first and seventh to be by November 1. The precincts that were absorbed by other precincts became lighter staffed community policing centers, leaving only four major stations in Nassau County. The main objective of the plan was to save Nassau County tax payers $20 million. About 100 desk jobs would be eliminated by halving the number of precincts. Mangano has assured residents that patrols will not be affected and that there will still be police presence in our communities.
Earlier this year, Nassau County Executive, Edward Mangano, announced his plan to close half the county’s precincts. The second and eight, third and sixth, and fourth and fifth precincts have already been consolidated, with the first and seventh to be by November 1. The precincts that were absorbed by other precincts became lighter staffed community policing centers, leaving only four major stations in Nassau County. The main objective of the plan was to save Nassau County tax payers $20 million. About 100 desk jobs would be eliminated by halving the number of precincts. Mangano has assured residents that patrols will not be affected and that there will still be police presence in our communities.
But this has not stopped the abundant opposition to the plan. Many concerned Nassau County residents do not agree with this plan, a plan that never had popular support. One such person was Jon Johnson of Elmont, who felt that the precincts needed to stay open to make communities feel safe, that the precincts are there as much for appearances as they are for action; seeing the precinct in your town makes you feel safer.
Then, of course, there is the matter of simple math. How can you cut the number of precincts in half and still have the same number of patrols in the same areas? This has left many unhappy with the decision made by Mangano because many find it difficult to believe that less precincts mean more safety.
In recent months, crime rates in Nassau County as a whole have been steadily rising. Cases of harassment, grand larceny, and theft have been prevalent in areas such as Lynbrook and Rockville Centre.
This leads one to think, are we seeing the effects of this plan now? Crime has risen since this time last year; maybe it’s due to this new plan, maybe not. But it is food for thought. Whether or not it is caused by the closing of the precincts, there is an increase in crime and fewer places to go about it. Being cautious and safe is more important than ever, especially in the tough economic times we face.
Then, of course, there is the matter of simple math. How can you cut the number of precincts in half and still have the same number of patrols in the same areas? This has left many unhappy with the decision made by Mangano because many find it difficult to believe that less precincts mean more safety.
In recent months, crime rates in Nassau County as a whole have been steadily rising. Cases of harassment, grand larceny, and theft have been prevalent in areas such as Lynbrook and Rockville Centre.
This leads one to think, are we seeing the effects of this plan now? Crime has risen since this time last year; maybe it’s due to this new plan, maybe not. But it is food for thought. Whether or not it is caused by the closing of the precincts, there is an increase in crime and fewer places to go about it. Being cautious and safe is more important than ever, especially in the tough economic times we face.