Roosevelt Island Resident Has Conversation With New Public Safety Director McManus And Likes What He Hears - Good Small Step Is Removal Of PSD SUV Tinted Windows

Roosevelt Island resident Old Rossie had a conversation with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Jack McManus yesterday and reports:

Yesterday I had coffee with Jack McManus, our interim Public Safety Director. He invited me to chat after I had emailed my concerns to the RIOC board (that was lesson 1 for me - on this island, it's easier than we think to have our voices heard). I don't speak for him, this is just my take-aways from the chat. He hit on several things that people on this blog (myself included) express concerns about. (1) He is working toward more training for PSD officers in a variety of areas; (2) he pushes to get more officers out of the station and active on the island - doesn't like to see people standing around; (3) there's only so much information about recent events that can be made publicly available given the investigative process, but anything not restricted by that process is disseminated as there is no benefit to withholding information; (4) he and Ms. Indelicato are new to the island, but working very hard to maintain/strengthen the safety of islanders.

I did ask about the idea of replacing PSD with NYPD. He pointed out that NYPD is here, including when they are needed when something happens, and at the end of the day the island is far better off with PSD than without it. As we spoke and by total coincidence, out of the window behind me there were two PSD officers speaking with an NYPD officer...

He has extensive experience working with the NYPD. He mentioned some of the complex ideas being discussed, including vertical patrols in Manhattan Park. He's also looking at the smaller details, noting that there's no reason PSD SUV windows should be tinted,

PSD SUV Tinted Windows Image From Judy Berdy

so he's looking to remove that. I like that - a minor detail that can positively impact the perspective of people on the island (both law-abiding and otherwise).

PSD SUV Tinted Windows Removed Image From Judy Berdy

I have noticed, over the last week or so, more of a PSD presence in the garage and in front of MP. I had thought it was in response to all of the recent incidents, but it may also be Mr. McManus' influence on PSD. Either way, it's an improvement.

So that was the meat of the discussion. He seems like a great guy, certainly trustworthy, and has a genuine interest in having a lasting positive impact on the island. I have a lot more confidence in our local officials this morning.

A former Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officer and current NYPD Officer, Not My Kid, offers some suggestions for improving the Public Safety Department here and here.