RIOC Explains Why Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Did Not Respond To Report Of Lewd Incident At Subway Platform Mezzanine And Reason For PSD Officers Stationed Inside Duane Reade Store

A Roosevelt Island resident reported on January 17:

Who should we call when there are people on our subway platform that need help? This morning as you get on the mezzanine my husband sees woman pulling down a guys pants to his ankles. Have some drug paraphernalia. Woman looks up at him and asks what are you looking at. Go to work. 

Called the public safety and they said we don’t have jurisdiction there and our radios don’t work Another guy called and he was told to call the cop in the booth.

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Communications Director Bryant Daniels if RIOC had any comment on the matter.

Mr Daniels answered:

It's correct that we don’t have jurisdiction on the subway platform, the NYC Transit Police do. In those non-emergency instances like a lewd incident, the best thing for subway riders to do is dial 911, which is the fastest way to get those who do have jurisdiction on site, or alert the MTA station attendant. PSD will obviously respond if it’s a life-threatening emergency, but we still don’t have jurisdiction in the subways. 

What we mean about the radios is that PSD is not hooked into the NYPD radio system, so we can’t radio them for assistance.

Another resident asked:

I'm flabbergasted that PSD is in charge of Duane Reade's safety. I always thought they hired their own private security staff, but indeed, I paid attention to the uniform today and it's PSD. Why are public resources used for a private business? No bad faith on my part, just genuinely curious. I'm sure there is a reason

During the January 14 RIOC Public Public Safety Department Community Engagement meeting, PSD Chief Kevin Brown reported on the stationing of PSD officers inside the Duane Reade. According to Chief Brown in 2023 there were 161 Petit Larcenies at the Roosevelt Island Duane Reade. Chief Brown added:

... That's a lot no matter how you slice it. We put an officer specifically in that area and we went down in 2024 to 31. That is a dramatic decrease. That means that we're being proactive.

There were some people who say that that PSC resources are going to that area but this is what I can say about that. There were other things that would happen with these Petit Larcenies down there. Our neighbors, our residents ...  are being harassed by the people who are also committing these crimes so the officers being in the area are small deterrence.

Going down from 161 to 31 is a dramatic decrease, almost 80%. This is something that as a community that is the best way to go forward...

Here's the Duane Reade discussion.

Restart the video from beggining to watch the full January 15 PSD Community Engagement meeting.

Watch Video Of Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department September 17 Monthly Community Engagement Meeting With Chief Brown and Deputy Chief Amoroso - Items Discussed Include Domestic Assaults, Overcrowding Disaster Averted, Motorbike Crackdown/Confiscation, Pet Registration & More

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department (PSD) Chief Kevin Brown and Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso hosted the PSD Monthly Community Engagement  with a small gathering of Roosevelt Island residents at the Good Shepherd Chapel on Tuesday evening September 17.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@rooseveltislandny)

Among the issues discussed were:

• Recent events including National Night Out and School Backpack & supplies giveaway (over 300 backpacks given away),
• 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony,
• Pet Registrations,
• Overcrowding last Saturday during the Flower Market public art installation at Four Freedoms Park,
• Crackdown on reckless Main Street motorbike drivers and confiscation of their vehicles,
• Too many domestic violence assaults occurring,
• Ambulance and FDNY vehicles will be stationed on Roosevelt Island during the upcoming UN General Assembly Week when the Roosevelt Island Bridge is often closed
• among other issues.

Watch the full video

 

of the meeting.

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island National Night Out Tuesday August 6 At Good Shepherd Plaza, Join Your Neighbors And Public Safety Department To Help Promote Police And Community Partnerships With Safety Info, Food, Giveaways And Lots Of Family Friendly Fun Says RIOC

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD):

Dear Roosevelt Island Community:

This year we'll be celebrating "National Night Out", a night that promotes police/community partnerships, on Tuesday, August 6th from 5PM to 8PM at Good Shepherd Plaza (543 Main Street).

The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department (PSD) is once again hosting the annual event, complete with important safety information, food, giveaways, and lots of family-friendly fun!

We hope to see everyone on Tuesday evening, August 6th.

-PSD

PSD Chief Kevin Brown invited the Roosevelt Island community to come out to the August 6 National Night Out during the July 23 PSD Community Engagement meeting

and discussed other issues including:

• 2 New Solar Powered Light Up Main Street stop signs by PS/IS 217,
• Tuesday August 6 Law Enforcement annual National Night Out,
• Cooling Center at Good Shepherd during extreme heat days,
• Crime is very low on Roosevelt Island but there were 10 instances of assault caused by domestic violence,
• 20-25% of PSD calls are for incidents involving mental illness of emotional disturbed persons,
• Shoplifting incidents at Duane Reade are down from 10-15 per week to 1-2 with the placement of a PSD Officer in the area,
• Homeless people,
• PSD staffing levels, 27 officers have left to join the NYPD. 6 new officers have recently been hired,
• Pet registration in case they get lost,
• Main Street traffic safety, speeding, u turns, illegal street parking
• PSD Officer assigned to cover Main Street every day from 7 in the morning to 11 at night

NYPD 114 precinct officers will be attending the Roosevelt Island National Night Out too.

The NYPD is committed to enhancing our relationship with the communities we serve. Tuesday is National Night Out Against Crime, and every precinct, transit district, and police service area will host community events open to the public.

Additionally, department executives will… pic.twitter.com/Uzmc5Uu2kf

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) August 2, 2024

Emotionally Disturbed Person At Duane Reade Wielding Hammer Subdued By NYPD And RIOC PSD Officers Last Thursday - Man Was Taken To Hospital Following The Incident

Last Thursday June 28, NYPD 114 precinct and Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officers responded to reports of a man wielding a hammer in the vicinity of Roosevelt Island subway station and Duane Reade.

🚨#Manhattan : Hammer Assault on Roosevelt Island. A man with a hammer injured two first responders. The man himself is also injured. pic.twitter.com/fC4MZv1epT

— Citizen NYC (@CitizenAppNYC) June 27, 2024

On Friday June 29, I asked RIOC Communications Director Bryant Daniels for info about the incident. 

Image From Rachel Dowling

Mr Daniels answered:

Yesterday PSD and NYPD responded to an emotionally disturbed person at Duane Reade wielding a hammer. The officers deployed their OC spray to subdue him, and he was taken to the hospital following the incident. Important to note that he did not injure any officers or first-responders, though one officer did get OC spray in his eye and received medical attention.

No arrest, he was sent to the hospital given the mental health episode

Six 9 Millimeter Bullets Found On Sidewalk In Front of Roosevelt Island 560 Main Street Building Last Thursday Evening - Ammunition Fell Out Of Bag Carried By Male Licensed To Carry A Firearm Entering The Building Says RIOC

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Chief Kevin Brown and Communications Director Bryant Daniels today: 

I understand that bullets were found on the sidewalk outside Roosevelt Landings several nights ago and were picked up by Public Safety Officers. 

Is that true? 

Are there any more details about this incident? Any statement from RIOC?

Mr Daniels answered:

At approximately 7:15 PM on May 9th, PSD was alerted to the presence of firearm ammunition on the ground in front of 560 Main Street.  PSD immediately responded to the scene, found and recovered the lost ammunition—six 9mm bullets—and notified the NYPD. 

C&C cameras were then checked, and video was discovered of the ammunition falling out of an adult male’s duffle bag while he was entering the building. The individual was identified by PSD, and he is licensed to carry a firearm in New York. At approximately 7:40 PM, NYPD officers arrived and took custody of the ammunition.

C&C is the managing agent for the Roosevelt Landings 460 Main Street building.

The RIOC May 9 PSD Daily Blotter describes the incident as follow:

05/09/24 -1914 – 560 Main Street – Suspicious Activity- PSD Responded – Report Filed

Domestic Violence Assault Arrest Yesterday On Roosevelt Island - Victim Claims Being Struck Several Times With A Cane By Sibling

There was Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department and NYPD activity on Main Street yesterday morning blocking traffic and briefly suspending Red Bus Service.

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Communications Director Bryant Daniels:

Do you have any additional details regarding the assault arrest shown in PSD Blotter below?

04/28/24 – 1040 – 560 Main Street – Assault – PSD, NYPD, and EMS responded – Arrested by NYPD.

Mr Daniels answered:

At 10:40 AM Sunday an individual visited PSD and reported that they had been the victim of a domestic assault at a relative’s residence at 560 Main Street. The victim claimed the assailant, their sibling, struck them several times with a cane. Prior to arriving at PSD, the victim had also called 911 and reported the incident, resulting in an NYPD response. NYPD officers arrested the alleged perpetrator for assault at approximately 10:52 AM. No other weapons were involved.

During the October 17, 2023 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Community Engagement meeting, PSD Chief Kevin Brown reported that Roosevelt Island (I minute 22 second mark):

... has above average domestic violence issues. Half of my complaints a year are attributed to some kind of domestic violence. It runs the gamut, partners, spouses, children, parents...

April 6 Assault At Roosevelt Island F Train Subway Station Platform And April 8 Assault At Motorgate Garage

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Daily Blotter reports 2 assaults taking place on Roosevelt Island this past week.

According to the RIOC PSD Blotter:

04/06/24 – 1913 – 400 Main Street – Assault – PSD, EMS, and NYPD responded – Report filed/ Transported to hospital.

04/08/24 – 0451 – 688 Main Street – Assault – PSD, EMS and NYPD responded – Report file

I asked RIOC Communications Director Bryant Daniels and the NYPD for more details about these incidents.

According to a NYPD spokesperson:

There is a report on file for a robbery, within the confines of the Transit District 20/114 Precinct. A 54 year-old female reported to police that on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at approximately 1900 hours, while on the northbound platform waiting for a train at the Roosevelt Island train station she observed two females that she had a prior dispute with. A verbal dispute ensued which became physical. The complainant was punched and kicked multiple times in the face ... She suffered bleeding and a broken nose. They also removed $20 and her wig. Both individuals fled the location in an unknown direction. There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.

Regarding the April 8 Motorgate assault incident, 

RIOC Communications Director Bryant Daniels reports:

At approximately 4:51AM PSD responded to a call of a reported assault at 688 Main Street. Upon arriving at the scene, they spoke with a victim who stated he had been assaulted by an adult male. The victim sustained minor injuries and was examined by EMS. PSD officers took down a description of the assailant, located and detained the individual also at 688 Main Street. NYPD also responded and placed the individual under arrest. There was no weapon involved in the incident and both individuals were non-residents.

Mr Daniels added that he believes the victim was a homeless individual.

As previously reported:

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) hosted a March 12 community engagement meeting at the Good Shepherd Community Center.

RIOC PSD Chief Kevin Brown, Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso, Deputy General Counsel/Interim Leadership Team member Gerrald Ellis, Communications Director Bryant Daniels and about a dozen Roosevelt Island residents attended the almost hour long meeting.

Among the issues discussed were:

• Overall low level of crime on Roosevelt Island but there are incidents of domestic violence and mental health issues,
• Issuance of parking summons and towing,
• Crowd control during Cherry Blossom Season and on the Roosevelt Island Tram,
• Shoplifting at Duane Reade,
• Missing packages at Roosevelt Landings
• Keeping communications open between PSD and the community,
• Lack of bathrooms,
• and more.

Here's full video of the March 12 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Community Engagement Meeting.

Watch Video Of March 12 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Community Engagement Meeting With Residents Discussing Variety Of Local Issues - Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Shoplifting, Cherry Blossom Crowd Control, Bathrooms, Missing Packages & More

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) hosted a March 12 community engagement meeting at the Good Shepherd Community Center.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@rooseveltislandny)

RIOC PSD Chief Kevin Brown, Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso, Deputy General Counsel/Interim Leadership Team member Gerrald Ellis, Communications Director Bryant Daniels and about a dozen Roosevelt Island residents attended the almost hour long meeting.

Among the issues discussed were:

• Overall low level of crime on Roosevelt Island but there are incidents of domestic violence and mental health issues,
• Issuance of parking summons and towing,
• Crowd control during Cherry Blossom Season and on the Roosevelt Island Tram,
• Shoplifting at Duane Reade,
• Missing packages at Roosevelt Landings
• Keeping communications open between PSD and the community,
• Lack of bathrooms,
• and more.

Here's full video of the March 12 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Community Engagement Meeting.

Roosevelt Island Tram Platform Jam Packed With Riders Waiting For The One Operating Cabin - Residents Getting Frustrated And Angry With Shoving And Pushing By Some At Times, PSD Officers Doing Their Best To Keep Tram Safe And Orderly Says RIOC

The Roosevelt Island Tram has been operating with only one cabin since last Tuesday.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced on February 16:

Dear Roosevelt Island Community:

We have been informed by Tram operator Leitner-POMA that the North Tram cabin needs to be taken out of service for a scheduled four-day period to perform emergency repair work on a hydraulic tension cylinder at the Manhattan Tram Station. We have scheduled the repair work to take place from Tuesday, February 20th through Friday, February 23rd so as not to interfere with weekend Tram service while the F-train is offline.

Please be advised that the South Tram cabin will remain in service during this four-day work period (2/20-2/23). Travelers should consider utilizing other modes of transportation, including the F-train, Ferry, and Q102 bus for off-island travel while the work takes place.

We apologize for the inconvenience and will work to ensure full service is restored as quickly as possible.

Yesterday I asked RIOC Communications Director Bryant Daniels:

I received reports about overcrowding, pushing and shoving at the Manhattan Tram Station yesterday with only one cabin in operation. Do you anticipate both cabins operating this weekend when there will be no subway service at all?

Any comment from RIOC about the status of Tram repair and these comments below from residents about problems with overcrowding yesterday at the Tram?

1. "My husband told me that a fight almost broke out, so crowded, lots of tourists and pushing and someone almost fell. He couldn’t see much of what happened, a lot of people inside. This was around 6 pm"
2. “I am a senior and my husband walks with a walker. First, after waiting about 5 minutes for a Tram we couldn’t get on it. We were then about the third row of people from the front of the platform. We waited 15 minutes for the next Tram. When it arrived people stampeded for it, pushing me and knocking over my husband. I grabbed for him and saved him from hitting the floor. I screamed 2 or 3 times STOP, put my arms out to shield him from more pushes and I pushed back the stampeding people near us. This is a very unsafe situation. We need Public Safety staff at the front of this crowd. Instead, a Public Safety man was in the booth eating an ice cream cone. Warn your neighbors of this unsafe situation which happened to us at about 5:50pm tonight”
3. It was around 4:30. Manhattan side of the Tram. Platform was full of both residents and tourists. As the Tram approached the station, someone violently pushed several rows of people (of all ages, both residents and tourists) to get closer to the Tram. A young man stopped him and called him out for it, and the offender started saying something about "these tourists" but he was called out for his rudeness. As folks started to board the Tram, he actually walked *away* from the Tram as I countered his complaints, and another person called him out saying "I'm also an Island resident and you just pushed me." At the end, it looked like he did not even board the Tram! Not sure if it was because he was embarrassed and/or he did not want to be confronted by the several islanders he had just offended and who started calling him out. I understand we're all frustrated with the situation of not enough train service and now reduced Tram service. We are all upset and frustrated and annoyed, but this is absolutely not the right way to go about it. Shoving, pushing, stampeding, knocking people over, etc. are unacceptable."
4. Yesterday about 7:20 PM, PSD was having people line up at tramway plaza in manhattan, we waited in line and then they switched tactics and decided to let everybody up the stairs then stood outside the turnstyle and started shouting at us to move in more, even though the platform was packed. Luckily nobody listened to them and nobody was pushing. I believe PSD could be better used doing actual crowd management instead of whatever they are doing now.
5. There was a long line around 7:30pm today and the tram was packed, but that’s to be expected I guess.

Mr Daniels replied yesterday:

We were also made aware of some of these reports via our online Tikkit system and Deputy Chief Amoroso will be on site personally this evening to monitor rush hour service at the Manhattan station. We understand how frustrating the changes to the F-Train service have been for island residents, and this week’s repair work on the north tram cabin has only compounded those frustrations. It’s important for us to continue to encourage tram travelers to be courteous to their fellow riders and to the PSD officers on site who are doing their best to keep things safe and orderly. Should any issues arise while waiting in line for the next tram, please speak with one of those officers or one of the POMA station attendants so it can be addressed immediately.

Regarding the repair work, POMA has informed us that they remain on schedule, so we still expect service to be fully restored by the weekend.

Last evening at about 7 PM, as I was exiting the Tram Cabin at the Manhattan station I noticed an elderly couple being assisted to a bench seat by Public Safety Department Deputy Chief Amoroso on the next departing Tram. Deputy Chief Amoroso led the couple to a seat 

before allowing the Tram sliding door on the middle platform to open for the large crowd about to rush inside the cabin.

Between 7 PM and 8 PM, the Tram platform was very crowded with riders waiting patiently between the turnstyle entrance and the end of the platform. There was no line in front of the turnstyle or down the stairs. It appeared that most of the waiting Tram riders were residents at the time.

There were 4 Public Safety Officers, including Deputy Chief Amoroso, 

doing a good job managing the crowd of riders keeping the platform area safe and orderly.

Deputy Chief Amoroso said that if you are a senior or disabled person needing assistance to board the Tram, tell the PSD officer and they will make sure you get on safely.

About 100 people were able to enter the cabin before the door closed leaving about 10-12 riders waiting another 15 minutes for the next cabin to arrive. They were first on line to enter the newly arrived cabin. This cycle repeated itself for the hour I was there. 

The Tram platform was jam packed this afternoon between 4:30 PM and 6 PM 

with a line by the staircase entrance too. 

The vast majority were tourists. I spoke to a group of very nice French student tourists in a group of 12. They told me they were very excited to see the "sightseeing views" from the Tram that they learned about on "the internet". The few residents at the time were not very happy describing the situation as "Insane!"

As I got off the Tram this afternoon on the Roosevelt Island side, I saw many of the same tourists on the platform waiting to take the Tram back to the Manhattan station without leaving the Roosevelt Island station.

Here's a Roosevelt Islander Instagram post from yesterday. Take a look at some of the comments.

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A post shared by Roosevelt (@rooseveltislander)

Hopefully both Tram cabins will be operating by this Saturday when there will be no weekend Roosevelt Island F Train service at all.

Bang, Bang, Bang, Roosevelt Island Residents Report Hearing Possible Multiple Gunshots Near Manhattan Park And Octagon Buildings Overnight Last Thursday - RIOC PSD And NYPD 114 Precinct Received Reports And Shotspotter Sensor Tech Did Not Detect Any Gunshots At The Time They Say

Last Friday morning November 17, a Roosevelt Island resident asked:

I live in the Octagon and in the middle of last night, I heard what sounded like several gunshots. I went to Citizen this morning and found this post: 

 Have you heard anyone else report anything? Very unsettling. 

A Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park resident reported:

Gun shots at 30 River Road

At approximately 2:44AM on Friday morning we were awoken by what I thought was a loud banging on our wall. Then we heard nearby gunshots maybe six, fired from below our open window, near the entrance of Manhattan Park, at 30RR. Looking out the window, we saw no one, no police, no cars, nothing.

So we went back to bed only to be awoken about 15-20 minutes later to more distant gun shots. What on earth is going on here? Can you report on this incident?

Other residents heard the commotion and apparently someone called police.

Another Manhattan Park resident reported:

I'm at 30 RR, and my wife and I were awakened around 2am by the very distinct sound of gunshots (our window was open). We heard 6-8 gunshots followed by a pause and then another 6-8 gunshots. 

After about 15 minutes or so, there was another series of gunshots that sounded a little more distant, though I'm not really sure. I don't know where exactly the gunshots were, but definitely in the north side of the island around the Manhattan Park apartments or the soccer field... 

I'd be really interested in an update, to see if shell casings were recovered. 

Just to be clear, my wife and I both know what a handgun sounds like, and this was definitely it. I suspect that the shooter emptied two clips and then emptied a third clip later as he was walking around. We didn't hear any yelling or commotion of any kind. 

At least 3 other residents heard what they thought were gunshots at that time too. 

On November 18, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown:

Several Roosevelt Island residents reported to me hearing gunshots early Friday morning ... about 2 AM in the vicinity of 30 River Road and 888 Main Street....

... Do you have any information on this important matter of concern to Roosevelt Island residents?...

There was no  response from RIOC. 

I asked NYPD too. A NYPD spokesperson replied they had no information on any Roosevelt Island gunshots at the time reported.

During the November 21 RIOC Public Safety Department Community Engagement meeting, Chief Brown and NYPD 114 Precinct Commander Deputy Inspector Kenneth Gorman said they received no reports and had no knowledge of any gunshots on Roosevelt Island at that time.

Inspector Gorman added that the NYPD Shotspotter accoustic sensor technology deployed on Roosevelt Island did not detect any gunshots at that time.

Here's the discussion.

According to the NYPD 2021 Shotspotter Impact and Use Policy:

ShotSpotter is a gunshot detection system. ShotSpotter uses acoustic sensors to quickly detect and alert New York City Police Department (NYPD) personnel of confirmed gunfire incidents. The system reduces gunfire incident response times, provides valuable evidence for investigations and criminal prosecutions, and enhances both public and officer safety.

The NYPD produced this impact and use policy because the gunshot detection system processes acoustic data, and shares acoustic and location data with NYPD personnel...

Does #ShotSpotter work? Yes, and so do our full suite of products as well. pic.twitter.com/k16JlmBYuy

— SoundThinking (formerly ShotSpotter) (@soundthinking_) November 14, 2023

A 2021 BBC report on the Shotspotter sensor detection technology examining whether it is accurate and reliable?.

and a 2022 Bloomberg article reports on NYPD's use of Shotspotter.

Emails show that ShotSpotter shared locations of where it wanted to place its gunshot detection sensors in one Upper West Side precinct with the NYPD https://t.co/NlzXnm4DSz

— Bloomberg CityLab (@CityLab) December 26, 2022

Here's the full November 21 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Community Engagement meeting.

According to RIOC:

Deputy Inspector Gorman from the 114th precinct also spoke on the precinct’s domestic violence unit and highlighted the prevention of car theft, particularly concerning catalytic converters, Hyundai, and Kia vehicles. pic.twitter.com/JcBe9rw2Yl

— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny) November 22, 2023

Sgt. Spencer's proactive engagement with the Roosevelt Island Youth was also brought to the fore. These meetings are an open platform for everyone to engage in candid discussions concerning the Roosevelt Island community. We plan to convene the next PSD meeting on Dec 12 at 6PM. pic.twitter.com/KOIt5Ybn5t

— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny) November 22, 2023

RIOC PSD Tries To Shut Down "We Need A Functioning & Competent RIOC" Petition Signature Collection Drive At Last Saturday's Roosevelt Island Farmers Market In Good Shepherd Plaza - PSD Says Entire Area Is Permittted Only For Use Of Farmers Market

During the November 18 Roosevelt Island Saturday Farmers Market at Good Shepherd Plaza, local resident Paul Krikler was among a group of three or four residents speaking  to other residents passing by

and collecting signatures for a "We Need A functioning and Competent RIOC" petition to directly elect Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors. 

At about 1 PM, a Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officer instructed the petition gatherers not to approach anyone to collect signatures in the area of the Farmers Market because the PS/IS 217 PTA had a permit for that area and it was only for the use of the Farmers Market

According to the PSD Officers at the scene, someone raised an objection to the residents gathering petition signatures in Good Shepherd Plaza during the Farmers Market. The PSD officer refused to say who raised the objection.

The Co-President of the PTA was at the Farmers Market at the time. She said she did not raise any objection to the petition gatherers and was trying to find out what was going on.

Initially, the PSD officers told the petition seekers they would have to leave the Good Shepherd Plaza area to collect signatures and suggested going across the street or any area other than the Plaza. 

After a discussion, it appeared that PSD agreed the residents could collect signatures outside the Plaza area on the sidewalk. 

Here's what happened.

 

Asked to comment, Mr Krikler said:

I have total sympathy with the idea that we should not be in the actual market area. People here feel very strongly about this and are keen to engage when they stop. I can see how that would be disruptive to the Farmers Market.

Do not know if the PTA objected or not.

If you wish, clich here to sign the petition. So far, 438 signatures have been collected.

Back To School Backpack And Supply Giveaway For Roosevelt Island Students Today Hosted By Roosevelt Island Disabled Association & RIOC Public Safety Department - Over 400 Free Backpacks With School Supplies Given Away To Local Kids

The Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) gave away over 400 free backpacks and school supplies to local kids at Good Shepherd Plaza today in collaboration with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department. 

RIDA President Wendy Hersh, RIOC PSD Chief Kevin Brown and resident volunteer Frank Farance described what happened.

Great job by RIDA and PSD giving back to the Roosevelt Island community.

RIOC Public Safety Blotter Reports December 21 Roosevelt Island Sexual Assault, RIOC Responds This Afternoon To Inquiries About The Alleged Incident - Watch Video Of RIRA Public Safety December Meeting With Chief Brown

Yesterday, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes, Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown and Assistant Vice President of Communications Akeem Jamal: 

12/21/22 -2218 – 540 Main Street – Sexual Assault – EMS, PSD Responded – Transported to Hospital

Will RIOC comment on the sexual assault incident listed in PSD Incident Report above?

What happened? Was there an arrest?

This incident will be of great concern to the Roosevelt Island community and I want to make sure that the reporting is accurate.

Will RIOC comment on this matter?

Did not receive any response and followed up again this afternoon to RIOC asking: 

I’m following up on yesterday’s email below regarding a December 21 sexual assault at 540 Main Street reported in the PSD daily blotter.

This is of great concern to residents. Will Rioc provide information about what happened including if there was an arrest?

Today, a NYPD Press Spokesperson told me they had no information on the matter.

I’ve also asked several residents who usually know or can find out and they had no info either.

At 4:14 pm today, RIOC sent out this advisory:

Dear Roosevelt Island Community,

This is an update in response to community inquiries concerning an alleged sexual assault incident on 12/21/22 at 10:18 PM. Emergency Medical Services responded to an unknown individual in the area of 540 main street. Upon arrival, the individual on the scene declined to provide their information and declined assistance from NYPD. After further investigation – there was no police report filed, and the NYPD 114th precinct Detective Squad was not notified of an act of sexual assault.

The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department and NYPD take any allegations of sexual assault or general wrongdoing seriously. Should you wish to make an anonymous report, please get in touch with the NYPD Crime Stoppers tip line at 800-577-TIPS or submit an online tip.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department

 Upon reading the advisory, one resident asked:

How did this get on their blotter if nothing took place? 

This is practically identical to the claim they made concerning the last incident.

Another resident added:

I try to give Chief Brown & PSD the benefit of the doubt on some criminal activity but they continue to test us.  And this Advisory tests their credibility.

 

Does  “... In the area of 540...“ mean In the Building Lobby?  Near the Cultural Center Staircase?  Poorly lit Dark Space Further down the road to the river?

 

Wondering who exactly called 911 if the victim didn’t?

540 Breezeway is hard for PSD to miss.  Doubt any PSOs were out at that crosswalk but is possible.  Even when they are there they miss stuff...

 

And, most importantly, isn’t this the 2nd time this year this kind of assault was reported & nothing happened?

The PSD & RIOC have the responsibility to be transparent & report critical events related 

to the SAFETY of the PUBLIC.  Chief Brown can remind us, at those Public Safety meetings & other settings, how low the crime rate is & how safe we are ... But they never send out or post some reminders about our personal safety.

RIOC's relatively new Vice President of Communications, Akeem Jamal, has made it extremely difficult for the local Roosevelt Island media to obtain information about important issues of concern to the Roosevelt Island community. In response to a prior Public Safety incident last October, Mr Jamal replied to my inquiry: 

... In the event of community concern in the case of such an incident, RIOC would work to advise the public should there be a need. In the future, if you would like information regarding any incident or have other inquiries, please submit a FOIL request. 

This email serves as notice that RIOC will no longer respond to these incidents or other matters unless a FOIL request has been submitted.

I've asked Mr Jamal why he refuses to answer press inquiries on issues of concern to Roosevelt Island residents.

Mr Jamal's answer was:

RIOC wants to control the narrative.

Roosevelt Island public safety issues were discussed with RIOC PSD Chief Kevin Brown during the December 22 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting. Among the issues discussed were:

• Very low crime rate on Roosevelt Island, 
• Shoplifting at Duane Reade, 
• Problems at the new Hudson Related Riverwalk Park affordable housing building (Hudson Related is bringing in a social worker to try and solve some of the problems among tenants), 
• Main Street Traffic and parking issues,  including truck and bike deliveries, 
• PSD staffing, two officers are joining NYPD,
• Dog poop,
• and more.

Watch the video of full meeting.

These meetings are open to the public to participate.

Contact RIRA Public Safety Co-Chair Erin Feely-Nahem if you are interested in attending the next meeting.

Roosevelt Island Resident Credits Public Safety Department For Making Her Feel Safe In Early Morning Darkness While Waiting Outside For Car Pick Up Going To Airport - Watch PSD Chief Kevin Brown Discuss Community Policing With RIRA Public Safety Committee

A Roosevelt Island resident reported yesterday:

Today the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department played it right. 

I had to leave for the airport at 4:40 in the morning. It was pitch black outside and 3 Ubers canceled on me. 

I was waiting outside with 3 pieces of luggage and wanted an officer to be nearby just in case because there were just random cars driving by. 

Although police cars were patrolling the Island, I didn’t see anybody near me for a few minutes. So I called the Public Safety Department and asked if they could send someone to hang around and patrol near Bread and Butter Deli until my car came and 1 minute later they sent an officer who stood nearby until my car arrived. 

It meant a lot that they listened and made me feel safe. I know they don’t have a great reputation at the moment, and I am usually very critical about them too, but just wanted to give credits when credits are due! 

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown usually meets once a month with member of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) to listen and discuss community concerns.

During RIRA PSC June 21 meeting, Chief Brown discussed his belief in community policing and said:

... I truly, truly, truly believe in community policing. One of the premises of community policing is coming together with the community and to listen, to have different ideas and have a great way to proceed forward.

I welcome coming to this committee. I told somebody this today, my door is open. Anytime that anyone wants to speak with with me or my deputy, our door is always open for for any comments, for any  type of dialogue or any type of meetings to have a great relationship with the community and also to have a great change when it's necessary or needed... 

Chief Brown discussed a variety of topics at the RIRA meeting including Public Safety Department staffing levels noting that the Public Safety Department is as close to full staff as they have been in a long time except for 2 Officers who recently resigned to join the NYPD. 

Here's the full RIRA PSC meeting discussion with Chief Brown.

 

If you wish to attend the next RIRA PSC meeting with Chief Brown, contact PSC Co-Chair Erin Feely-Nahem. 

During June 11 2022 Roosevelt Island Day, RIRA President Rossana Ceruzzi and VP/PSC Co-Chair Erin-Feely-Nahem talked about the work RIRA does advocating for the Roosevelt Island community including the traditional bagels for Roosevelt Island Day.

Roosevelt Island Youth Read Essays They Wrote Of Thanks And Appreciation To Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Officers In Front Of Their Families, PSD Chief Brown And Deputy Chief Amoroso

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Children, Youth & Education Chair Adib Mansour hosted a May 12, 2022 event featuring PS/IS 217 Child Center of NY students reading essays they wrote expressing personal appreciation and thanks for the work of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Officers.

Adib Mansour reports:

As the Chair of RIRA’s CYE Committee, I always thrive to get the youth of the island engaged in their community and open their minds to the endless possibilities for a bright future.

It has been my privilege to coach the students of the Child Center of NY a fun and educational program we call: Soccer for Success. They are 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders that attend the after school program. We’ve been learning soccer but at the beginning of each game we would spend 10 to 15 minutes learning about different subjects ranging from identifying healthy habits, learning how to read food labels, global warming solutions, as well as discussing what makes the Roosevelt Island Community so special. 

Recently we’ve been discussing Public Safety and the work they do for our community in an effort to bridge the gap between the youth and PSD. Some of the students volunteered to write essays describing what they love about our beautiful island, and appreciating the role of Public Safety, otherwise known as Peace Officers. The students were touched to hear that 2 officers passed away during the pandemic and I told them countless stories of the late Chief McManus’ involvement in coaching soccer with me in an outreach to the Roosevelt Island youth.

Quite honestly, while I say that I have been teaching these students, I have to admit that I myself have been learning so much more from them. I noticed a common theme in their essays which was the importance of Public Safety's role as Peace Officers. My goal in doing this work has always been to continually create opportunities where kids connect with PSD officers in a positive joyous way as well as with the Seniors. I believe this will make our community stronger. The students worked very hard on developing their essays and practiced numerous hours on their speech deliveries.

The Children, Youth & Education Committee, along with the Child Center of NY hosted an event last Thursday May 12th in the evening to read their essays in front of their families and to PSD represented at the event by Chief Brown, Deputy Director Amoroso and Sergeant Yulisa Santana At the event we all offered our thanks for the hard work of the PSD during the pandemic. We also thanked late Detective Wayne Jones and late Officer Corey Fisher for their sacrifices.  

Orion Ding was the first student to read his essay:

Hello, my name is Orion. 

I will be 9 years old in August. 

Even though I don’t live on Roosevelt Island, I spend most of my days on the island because I go to PS 217. What I like about Roosevelt Island is that the river gives you the feeling of peace and it calms you down when you’re sad. 

I have made a lot of friends on Roosevelt Island. I like that the island is very safe because the Peace Officers are everywhere to keep us safe. Basically what I like about Roosevelt Island is even though the teachers are strict I do like that because that would make us learn a lot. 

A few weeks ago, Public Safety’s Deputy Director came to introduce himself. I learned from him that one of his sons plays baseball and he is very good at it. I appreciate that he keeps us safe even though it takes him two hours to come to work in the morning and two hours to go home. This tells me that he really likes his job and he must love to work here. 

I honor Chief McManus because he was a very kind man. 

I was sad to hear the news that two officers passed away during the pandemic and I really thank them for their sacrifice to keep us safe. 

I will remember this for the rest of my life.

Watch Orion read his essay followed by Deputy Chief Amoroso. Both are priceless.

Here's video of the full event beginning with Mr Mansour, followed by PSD Chief Kevin Brown

and then all of the students reading their essays.

 

Here are all of the essays.

 

Very nice event. Wonderful job by the kids, Chief Brown, Deputy Chief Amoroso and Adib Mansour.

Weill Cornell Medicine And Roosevelt Island Public Safety Dep't Host "Learn How To Recognize And Reverse An Opioid Overdose" Demonstration Thursday May 19 At Good Shepherd - Get A Free Naloxone Kit To Save Lives Too

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp:

In this 2 hour lecture-demonstration hosted by Weill Cornell Medicine and the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department (PSD), you will learn how to recognize and reverse an opioid overdose.

What you learn in this workshop could save the lives of those around you.

Date: Thursday, May 19, 2022 

Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM 

                                 Location: Good Shepherd Chapel  

Sign up today.

RIOC Installs New Roosevelt Island Slow Down Traffic Speed Cushion On East Loop Road Next To Cornell Tech Campus In Bicycle Lane, Not In Car Lane - Why?

Last January a Roosevelt Island resident asked:

... do you have any updates on the speed bumps.? A few days ago I was walking on the sidewalk near 540 next to the pet store. Someone sped out of the Side of the building and almost hit me. Today just about 30 minutes ago a older man walking across the street near the elementary school was almost hit. When he confronted the driver and asked him to be careful the driver got out of the car and yelled at the elderly man. This issue needs to be corrected. Speed bumps and give tickets. I have seen public safety give numerous tickets for illegal u turns but never saw them stop people speeding or running through stop signs.

Last March, another resident tweeted:

During 3/15 Roosevelt Island Residents Association Public Safety committee meeting, @RIOCny Public Safety Chief said speed “cushions”, not bumps or humps will be installed on Main Street. No timetable given but expected soon. Watch video explaining plan. https://t.co/XAiAVOwxAQ

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) March 26, 2022

At least one speed cushion was in place on the East Loop Road near the Cornell Tech campus today. However, for some reason the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) placed the speed cushion in the bicycle lane, apparently to slow down speeding bikes,

 and not in the car lane to slow down cars.

Here's the March 15 Roosevelt Island Residents Association Public Safety Committee meeting discussion about speed cushions with RIOC Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown.

UDPATE 5/10 - RIOC Tweets:

Why are speed cushions needed for Roosevelt Island bike lanes on East Loop road by @cornell_tech campus? Are bike riders going too fast in that area to create a safety issue for others? Seems unlikely.

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 10, 2022

Maybe so cars don't use the bike lane

— Thierry Rolling (@T19R84) May 10, 2022

TBH, I generally loath bikes and bikers in the city, both as a motorist and as a pedestrian. But in the south end of Roosevelt Island? Not so much. Haven’t seen cars drag racing down there either. Maybe save the money.

— Peter Szekely (@peszeke) May 10, 2022