One Way Viewing From Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Booth At Subway Station, Officer Can See Out But You Can't See In - Recent Quality Of Life Arrests, August Monthly Blotter and Communications Policy
Have you noticed a recent change in the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Booth located across from the F Train Subway Station? Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy did and shares these two pictures of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) staff installing a coating on the Public Safety Booth
Image From Judy Berdy
which allows a person inside to see out but does not allow anyone outside to see in.
Image From Judy Berdy
As you walk by the Public Safety Booth, you cannot tell if anyone is inside but do see a reflection of yourself. Kind of creepy in a way but just as you or I cannot see inside the Public Safety Booth from outside, neither can a potential criminal tell whether there is a Public Safety Officer inside either. I don't know if that is the reason for the one way viewing but I will ask RIOC and update if they respond.
Here's what the Public Safety Booth looked like when initially installed last August.
In other Roosevelt Island Public Safety news, the 10/15-16 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Report indicates:
Criminal Possession of Marijuana - PSD arrested the subject.The 10/14 -15 Report indicated:
Petit Larceny - PSD assisted NYPD with the arrest of the subject.There have been a number of recent quality of life Public Safety incidents reports involving alcohol, marijuana and stolen property. For example, I sent the following email to RIOC
Can you provide additional details regarding these quality of life Public Safety Incident reports:Also sent a request seeking information regarding this incident:
10/12/11-7:00 AM to 10/13/11-7:00 AM
Public Consumption - Two subjects arrested.
10/11/11-7:00 AM to 10/12/11-7:00 AM
Alcohol/Open Container - Subject arrested by PSD.
Unlawful Possession of Marijuana/Open Container - PSD arrested four subjects.
10/8/11-7:00 AM to 10/9/11-7:00 AM
Unlawful Possession Of Marijuana - Subjects were issued summonses by PSD.
Stolen Property - PSD made a search of Roosevelt Island with negative results.
Where did the marijuana and alcohol arrests take place, what time of day, were those arrested Roosevelt Island residents, were they adults or juveniles and any other information you think is relevant to the Roosevelt Island community.
Also, what was the property stolen in 10/8 report, where did the incident occur and what time of day. Was anybody injured?
This was a troubling incident from 9/26-27 Public Safety ReportRIOC chose not to answer these inquires. In the past, I could ask Public Safety Director Keith Guerra about a particular incident and in most cases Mr. Guerra would reply promptly with an explanation as to what occurred. That is no longer the case because Mr. Guerra is not permitted to respond to press/blogger inquires. All inquiries regarding Roosevelt Island issues must be funneled through RIOC's Community Relations Office. In consultation with the appropriate RIOC staff, the Community Relations Office will determine if and to what extent a response is provided.
Sexual Abuse/ Child Endangerment - PSD arrested the subject.
Can you provide any details as to what happened?
How the exchange of information between RIOC, the Roosevelt Islander Blog and the Roosevelt Island community will function going forward is still a work in progress. I have had long conversations with RIOC's Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez on this issue and expect that dialogue to continue. I respect both Mr. Martinez and his position on the issue but profoundly disagree with the recent changes in how RIOC chooses to inform the Roosevelt Island community, particularly in regard to Public Safety incidents.
Here's the Monthly Public Safety Blotter for August
RIOC August Public Safety Blotter
and January - August 2011 Public Safety Statistics.
7 comments :
Weren't we told some time ago that the booth was supposed to be moved to the other side of the street? The most prominent storefront on Main Street is the public safety office. Now there is a no-see-um spy booth at the subway station. This must be a really dangerous place -- that's the impression, folks.
I heard there have been a few robberies by the train station.
I'm sure this a way to reduce crime there.
What if you want to ask a question. Do you ring a doorbell? A camera makes a much better spy, since it can't fall asleep.
What question do you want answered? When the bus is coming? What time is it? Which way is main street or the tram?
Irrellivent to the true purpose of the booth, and that is being pro active law enforcement.
I commend them on utilizing this idea.
A tourist or visitor may have a question.
Thats not the purpose of the booth, the purpose is for it to be a crime deterent, not a tourist information kiosk. If i recall, we already have one of those here.
Thats the RISK of the criminal, someones in there, or maybe not. They will definantly think twice.
This blog reported that the booth will be moved across the street when the MTA finishes their construction project.
R.I. is not a dangerous place. On the contrary, it is very safe - because of our local law enforcement agency. I'm happy we have such a presence here, as well as a new community policing officer from the 114th precinct.
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