NYPD Promises Increased Police Presence over Pesach

By Yehudit Garmaise

   Since the 1970s, top police officers and Jewish community leaders have met at 1 Police Plaza before Pesach to discuss the many ways the NYPD works to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe during Yom Tov.

   Although this year’s meeting was slightly different as it took place on Zoom, however, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea told 365 viewers that what has not changed this year, “is our commitment to your safety and our resolve that you can practice your faith free of fear: openly and throughout New York City.”

    “During Passover,” Commissioner Shea said, “you will always continue to see an increase in a professional, well-trained police presence at synagogues during times of services and events.”

   Because the NYPD emphasizes that its officers and communities closely interact to ensure better safety, Commissioner Shea explained that New Yorkers should take the time to “get to know your local precinct commanders, your local community affairs officers, and your local neighborhood coordination officers (NCO).”

    Houses of worship, in particular, should reach out to their local police officers to communicate and to establish working relationships, the police commissioner said.

    “Please spread the word to other clergy leaders, and strength will keep us together,” said Commissioner Shea, whose inspiration and leadership is valued by everyone more than ever now said Dep. Inspector Ritchie Taylor, who moderated the call.

   “We couldn’t have a better police commissioner,” said Dep. Inspector Taylor, who wears a kippa, and is the NYPD’s highest ranking Jewish officer.

   While the NYPD will be out in greater numbers in Jewish neighborhoods over Yom Tov, Commissioner Shea added to his report today that terrorism should not be a concern in the near future.

   “There are currently no credible threats to New York City or to the Jewish community, specifically at this time,” Commissioner Shea said. “But we all must remain vigilant, whether there are credible threats that we know about or not.

   “Of course: if you see something, say something.”

   Chief of Community Affairs Jeffrey Maddrey also emphasized the need for communities to work closely and speak frequently with police officers to keep their neighborhoods safe.

    “Let’s make sure that we continue to communicate and that we are constantly talking about things and working through things,” said Chief Maddrey, whom Dep. Inspector Taylor called “a dedicated, innovative chief of community affairs, who is personally out there, who [maintains] relationships…, sets [a positive, professional] tone, and is proactive."

    Chief Maddrey treats the Jewish community as part of the larger community, and he takes a personal interest to address problems and concerns, Dep. Inspector Taylor said,.

    “It is great that we have this meeting, and we have been doing this meeting for many, many years, but it is only going to connect and make sense if everyone at their own individual levels: in their precincts, in their own communities with their NCOs, and their community affairs offices all keep discussing the issues, the challenges, the customs, and the things we need to be aware of in this department.

     “To all our steadfast friends, our clergy and elected officials and your families,” Chief Maddrey said. “We thank you for your help and your partnership. Together we are going to continue to drive down crime, keep our communities safe, and clean up our communities as we go forward.

   “We want to know what we other communities need to be aware of and the ways we can help the Jewish community have a strong and successful Passover.