Roosevelt Island Is Safest Place In New York City Says RIOC Public Safety Director To RIRA Public Safety Committee - Vertical Patrols, Roosevelt Landings Hallway Marijuana Smoking, Dog Waste, Helix Bike Signage, Officer Training Discussed Too

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Jack McManus told the January 27 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting that according to the FBI's seven index crime statistics, Roosevelt Island is:

... the safest place in New York City....

Below is the RIOC 2015 report of Roosevelt Island Index Crimes

and Calls For Services/Responses.

Roosevelt Island PSD Stats


The RIRA Public Safety Committee submitted the following reports to the February RIRA Common Council meeting.

RIRA Public Safety Committee (“PSC”) Meeting Minutes December 30, 2015

The RIRA Public Safety Committee met on 12/30/15...

Erin reported that the Helix ramp signage is in the works, according to an email from Charlene. Erica was on vacation so no further update was possible.

Chief McManus provided updates on various agenda items:

Vertical patrols statistics were not provided. Update on the implementation of the Access system revealed that RIOC was still looking for a vendor able to be inclusive of all sites, at a reasonable cost.

The scaffolding is down and work completed on time at Roosevelt landings. PSD is focusing on ensuring emergency access with the façade work and Con Ed work on Main Street. This requires a significant amount of PSO time. In the event of a terrorist attack, or shooting, Deputy Director Marmara indicated that there are response teams located in NYC and Queens that would allow efficient response time in an emergency by FDNY, and NYPD.

During the past year crime statistics indicated that crime was minimal on RI in 2015. There have been very few complaints, QOL complaints (e.g. noise and marijuana complaints) have been decreasing. Grand larceny: 5, Assault, 13, Burglaries 13, and Robberies 6. This brought attention to the number of calls that are coming out of Roosevelt Landings and the collaborative work between Chief McManus and Urban America in apprehending the perpetrators. Romano provided the committee with building updates. With respect to new doors/locks at RL, new shareholders mean more money will be available for upgrades – possibly including cameras. Urban American is doing a better job at notifying tenants – with Notices to Cure and Notices to Cease and Desist due to collaboration with McManus. There are about 25 complaints a month at RL. Access control is crucial.

Chief McManus reported that there are currently 34 PSOs on the PSD, 5 more PSOs were hired. Collaboration with the 114th is strong.

PSC will reach out to Officer Mathis, the new CPOP officer to invite him to meet with the PSC.

Officer Cabassa is now the training officer of PSD. This topic was controversial. Romano questioned the choice of having Officer Cabassa in charge of training, referencing behavior RL residents had observed when interacting with residents recently in their building. It was noted that historically Officer Cabassa was named in civilian complaints when Guerra was PSD director. Chief McManus expressed his confidence in Officer Cabassa’s ability to handle this role.

Although informed by Chief McManus that there were mandatory trainings in 2015, such as on de‐escalation, the number of officers’ trained, and specific trainings that were held was not stated. This request will be submitted for the next PSC meeting.

With respect to the Explorer program, only four kids were recruited – though transportation was provided. It was thought there may not have been enough publicity about the Explorers program.

There is a looping device at the PSD office. Issues around the “policy” requested by Ron were tabled until the next meeting. Frank mentioned that the CERT has a training program focusing on emergency response with respect to the ADA.

The question of parking areas for unloading on Main Street will be discussed at the next meeting, as will a discussion of TAP.

Respectfully Submitted,
Erin Feely‐Nahem, PSC Committee Chair

and:

RIRA Public Safety Committee (“PSC”) Meeting Minutes January 27, 2016

Updates;

Helix Signage: Two signs have been completed and are to be hung shortly. One is a yellow, diamond shape sign with a picture of a bicycle going up a steep incline, and reads, “Steep Incline”. The second is a grass green rectangle, with a picture of a pedestrian and a bicycle, with a hand below the picture pointing with “Elevator” written next to it. Comments from committee members were minimal, except for Frank who stated he would send his remarks via email. Once the signs are hung, the committee will request feedback from members if they are adequate to enhance safety.

Officer Training: Deputy Director briefly outlined trainings. She will send Chair break down on training that are conducted annually, differentiating between trainings conducted by an outside vendor and those conducted by Sgt. Cabassa.

Vertical Patrols: Provided number of vertical patrols which totaled 1200, including Motor gate patrols. WIRE building patrols numbers are as follows: IH 91, WV 96, RL 460, RC 59, and Motorgate 483.

Roosevelt Landings (RL) issues: A number of tenants from RL came to discuss quality of life issues in their buildings, which focused around the use of marijuana being smoked in front of their doors, in the hall ways and stairwells. Doryne Isley was called by Romano and put on speaker phone. Doryne suggested they work collaboratively to address the issues and informed the RL tenants that she was willing to hold a separate meeting to discuss the issues and possible solutions. Later on, after hearing input from tenants and Chief McManus Committee members offered suggestions which included calling PSD, documenting incidents and sending them to UA via certified mail. It was concluded that even with PSD submitting incidents to UA the installation of cameras or door station personnel would be beneficial in addressing this problem

Dogs / clean up / playground rules / enforcement: Many had complaints by dog owners not using leashes, cleaning up after their dogs, and letting them play on the fields. PSD has difficulty enforcing the ECB ordinance as the Officer must witness the violation. Lynne spoke about the educational campaign initiated by SC&E. Deputy Director discouraged residents from taking matters into their own hands. Rossana suggested that RIOC post the laws which state that all dogs are required to be vaccinated when using dog runs etc.

Parking Areas for unloading: Jack has brought this to the attention of RIOC President who is investigating if and how this can be done.

Respectfully Submitted,

Erin Feely‐Nahem, PSC Committee Chair

2 Scooters Stolen Near Tram Station Yesterday Morning - Mom Worries Roosevelt Island Is Not As Safe As Once Was

A Roosevelt Island Mom reports yesterday:

...around 10:30 AM, my son and his friend had their xooter scooter stolen. They were a little passed the Roosevelt Island Tram station. They left the scooters alone for 5 minutes and when they came back, the scooters were gone. Only took 5 minutes at 10:30 AM!!!!!

Image Of Stolen Scooters

One scooter was silver and thin the other older, silver and with black dots on the board

The Roosevelt Island we had 5-10 years ago is no longer here. It's now a not so safe place anymore. I guess that's my message to others.

On March 14, 2014, NYPD 114th Precinct Commander Deputy Inspector Kevin Maloney and Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Jack McManus spoke to a Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting about local crime and public safety issues. Here's what they had to say.



A post last week asked is there more Roosevelt Island crime or just more public reporting of incidents?

Roosevelt Island Residents Arrested For Robbing Victim Of Jewelry And Bicycle Behind Roosevelt Landings Late Friday Night, A Knife Was Shown But No Injuries - Is There More Roosevelt Island Crime Or Just More Public Reporting Of Incidents?

Image Of Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Shield From RIOC

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Daily Public Safety Report:

8/15/14 - 2340 - Robbery - 560 Main St - PSD/NYPD responded - #2 Males arrested by NYPD - No injures.

In response to an inquiry, a NYPD Spokesperson said that the victim was standing with girlfriend behind 560 Main Street (Roosevelt Landings) about 11:30 PM when approached by 2 males. One of the males showed a knife, the victim's pockets were searched and a watch and sterling silver bracelet were stolen.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Director Jack McManus adds that there were 3 robbers taking part in this incident. In addition to the jewelry, a bicycle was also stolen. Two of the 3 were caught soon after the robbery by the NYPD working together with Public Safety. The robbers arrested are in their late teens and Roosevelt Island residents.

Some residents reading reports of crime on Roosevelt Island are concerned that there has been a recent increase in such incidents. A former Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officer (Rush Mob), responding to Cheshire Kitty, stated that opinion in this recent comment:

... You blame Guerra for 5 years of over enforcement, but what you forget is that he followed what his RIOC bosses wanted. James Frye did the same thing. He followed what his bosses wanted too. Only he went around cursing people out. He didn't care about the community. He just did what his bosses wanted - which at that time was NOTHING. Now we have a new Director, who is doing the same thing - following what his RIOC bosses want. The only drastic change at PSD is that we have more assaults, robberies, burglaries and drug sales on the island....

I replied to Rush Mob:

Do you have any evidence that there are more assaults, robberies etc on Roosevelt Island now than in the past?

Could it be that the current RIOC President and Director Of Public Safety are more open and transparent in reporting these incidents to the community? The residents now know what is happening when there is a crime rather than in the past when such information was very difficult to obtain.

One way to compare then and now is on the RIOC Calls For Services/Response Stat page. Unfortunately, RIOC has not updated those statistics since April 2014.

Will update if Rush Mob responds.

Roosevelt Island Exposure Arrest Reports RIOC Public Safety Department

I sent the following message yesterday to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Don Lewis and Public Safety Department Director Keith Guerra:

According to 1/23 Public Safety Report, an arrest was made on Roosevelt Island for Exposure.

1/23/13 - 0415 - Exposure of a Person - PSD conducted Arrest

Please provide additional details regarding this incident including:

• where did it occur,
  

• did the incident occur at 4:15 AM or is that when the arrest took place

• what were the ages and gender of victim and suspect
  

• is the incident related to previous exposure incidents on Roosevelt Island and
  

• any other relevant information.

RIOC's Press Spokesperson replied:

The incident occurred at 11:44 pm in the lot of 900 Main St. (Coler Hospital) and it was unrelated to any prior incidents. (4:15 am is when the Incident Report was completed.) We can also tell you that there were no injuries.

RIOC's November Incident Blotter indicated an indecent exposure incident took place at the Roosevelt Island Manhattan Tram Station:

11/12/2012 62nd St & 2nd Avenue Manhattan Tram Plaza - Female reported male exposed himself to her while riding in the elevator on 11/12/12.

This Tram incident was discussed during the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) January Public Safety Committee meeting:

... Women's Safety: Laila voiced her concern, for the women on the Island, following the incident she experienced when a young man exposed himself to her while they were on the Manhattan side elevator of the Tram, then came across to the Island. She reported it to PSD but has not heard any updates. The Committee agreed that they would follow up with Director Guerra on what progress had been made on the case. Other ideas discussed for actions that might be explored were as follows: an educational campaign on Women's safety, creation of flyers for distribution within the community, a discussion with Director Guerra on what his department can do to make the women feel safer....

More information on the RIRA Public Safety Committee January meeting here.

RIRA Public Safety Committee Recommends Studying Replacing Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department With Off Duty NYPD Officers, Seeks Greater Access To Public Safety Incident Information and Results of Prior Investigation

Below is the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee report to the January 2013 Common Council Meeting:

Follow up Initiatives:

Vertical Patrols of Wire buildings. Report from member’s constituents is that if the patrols are being done, they are not visible. One member spoke of seeing the patrol for the first time on the 7th floor in 560. Westview and Island House representatives have not seen Officers anywhere but at the door station of the buildings. Discussion focused on PS staffing issues, as presented in the WIRE article by Frank. Committee is interested in obtaining a break down of how the 37 Officers are utilized, and their ranks.

Traffic Control: PS Officers are being seen at bottom of the ramp on Saturday, during the Farmer’s Market, usually directing traffic. Week day shifts vary in quality with a couple of days a week when the PS vehicle is parked at the bottom of the ramp, with the lights going, but with the officer sitting inside the car rather then outside it directing traffic.

Motorgate Patrols: There appears to be less visibility of vehicles driving through Motorgate than in the past. Members stated that they never see PS Officers on the stairs, or on foot patrols in other areas inside Motorgate, where individuals urinate creating quality of life issues.

Parking Enforcement: A member stated that there are still problems around South Town with unauthorized vehicles not been ticketed. In one instance a vehicle was illegally parked, with Jersey Plates, and a Florida Hang Tag. When PS Officers had it brought to their attention they did not take any action. Residents complain that they never see officers on foot patrols. Another member mentioned that she had not been seeing flagrant abuse of parking enforcement in the North Town area.

Investigation into the Stueber incident: The Committee discussed the Resolution which was adopted by the RIRA Common Council in October 2012 requesting an investigation into this incident . Committee members' noted that they were unaware of any investigative action that might have been taken by RIOC, concerning this incident. Following a discussion on tactics It was decided that the Committee Chair would write a letter to RIOC requesting an update on what steps had been taken to investigate the Public Safety Officer's handling of this incident.

Women's Safety: Laila voiced her concern, for the women on the Island, following the incident she experienced when a young man exposed himself to her while they were on the Manhattan side elevator of the Tram, then came across to the Island. She reported it to PSD but has not heard any updates. The Committee agreed that they would follow up with Director Guerra on what progress had been made on the case. Other ideas discussed for actions that might be explored were as follows: an educational campaign on Women's safety, creation of flyers for distribution within the community, a discussion with Director Guerra on what his department can do to make the women feel safer.

Committee’s Goals for the new term:

The following motion was put to the committee, seconded and adopted by a unanimous vote. The committee agreed to make a Public Call for volunteers to be part of this study group.

“To create a study group whose purpose is to explore the viability of replacing the PSD with an off duty detail of NYPD officers.”

Committee as would like to see the following changes initiated:

Transparency:

a) Increase the community’s access to information concerning the changes within the PSD, as well as information of the specifics of crimes on the Island.

b) Hold quarterly Town Hall Meetings with Public Safety Director to allow a forum for the community to be kept informed of updates and where residents are able to bring their concerns to the table.

c) Respect and answer questions from the Community's media, to allow the dissemination of facts through the community's media channels.

Visibility: More foot patrols of Officers throughout the Island.

Professionalism: Increased training of Officers focusing on: de-escalation techniques, Conflict Resolution, Cultural Sensitivity.

Community Safety Education: Increase public safety education campaigns to include women's issues.

Next Meeting set for 1/16/13 @ 7:30pm in the Senior Center

Minutes respectfully submitted by Erin Feely-Nahem

and the letter sent by RIRA Public Safety Committee to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Don Lewis requesting an investigation into the Steuber arrest.

Also, video of RIRA discussing the Steuber incident during October 2012 Common Council meeting is here.



RIRA Common Council member Frank Farance adds:

I've heard parents complain that they fear Public Safety more than any gang influence. Some recent events are on-going problems that parents have known for years.

On New Years Eve, eight teenagers (ages 15-19) were arrested for trespassing: waiting in a Westview stairwell (because it was too cold outside) for one of their friends to come down from his apartment so they could go to an event off-Island. None of the kids were making noise, drinking, smoking pot, or making a nuisance. They were all handcuffed and, rather than walk from 591 to Public Safety, were put in police cruisers to drive 200 feet (for a big perp display), then put in holding cells. They were all issued summonses for trespassing and released later on. One of the adult teenagers possessed unopened bottles of alcohol, another adult teenager possessed pot, the remainder kids had done nothing wrong, they were just waiting for a friend to then leave.

The kids need to have their Miranda Rights read to them as soon as they were in custody, i.e., somewhere between putting their hands up against the wall and being handcuffed. Public Safety officers should be reading them their rights because Public Safety (as we can see from its criminal complaints and testimony) can, has, and will use their statements against them. Lieutenant Yee was on duty that night and supervised the arrests. Yee has two decades of experience and there were a handful of officers that helped, but none of them have the training to read Miranda Rights properly? PSD needs to train their officers to read Miranda Rights at the point in time when the suspect no longer has the freedom to move (they are in custody). Also, the under 18 kids need to have their parents called (which was not done for all kids).

As for trespassing, this is both a problem for Public Safety (way too aggressive enforcement) and the managing agents. Did you know you could be arrested for going to the Good Shepherd Church? Walking down the alleyway next to the September 11 memorial to the west promenade, you could be arrested for trespassing ... and that applies to many areas that we believe are public spaces but, in fact, they are not. You can arrested for trespassing walking in the hallways in building you live in (as discovered by some Roosevelt Landings parents). I spoke to Jennifer Jones at RY Management to get a better understanding of where/when one can just merely "stand" (assuming no noise, no alcohol, no drugs, etc.). She believes there is no such place on Roosevelt Island where one has the "right" to stand. She might be right, and this requires study, but Public Safety is the big problem here because they enforce this unreasonably and harshly.

A single 114th Precinct officer on his scooter is able to do more to create quiet and shoo away kids (the right approach) than all of Public Safety. Public Safety doesn't see the damage they do to the kids: a 16-year-old girl in Island House who grew up here, has never had any problems with Public Safety, has been back and forth in all the building with her friends is now traumatized by being handcuffed, put in cell, and having a complaint she must defend in court (taking a day off from school, possibly hiring an attorney, etc.). Creating these criminal complaints means either (1) the kids or parents have to spend thousands of dollars defending them, or (2) if they can't afford an attorney, pleading (which creates a criminal record that has a life-long effect).

As another example, some boys were skateboarding by the church, a PS officer asked them to move to the Island House courtyard. After they moved, another PS officer picked up one of their skateboards, said nothing, and walked away. He wouldn't explain why he took away their skateboard. So now they have to get a parent involved to get their skateboard back when there was nothing that they did wrong.

At this point, really, Public Safety is not the helpful neighborhood force, they are the entity that takes away your possessions without explanation, the entity that your teenage kids get ensnarled in that gives you handcuffs, arrests, cells, and a criminal record ... when you've been doing nothing wrong. It's easy to see why parents find Public Safety more troubling than gangs, and rightfully so.

RIRA's Public Safety committee, chaired by Erin Feely-Nahem, will be convening a study group to investigate how NYPD might replace PSD. Residents are welcome to participate in the meetings.

Update On Speeding Roosevelt Island Car Crash Last Night - RIOC Says Little, NYPD Gives Account Of Unlicensed Driver DWI Arrest

Image of Southtown Car Crash Last Night

Reported earlier today that:

...Observers reported a car speeding south along Roosevelt Island's Main Street in Southtown last night at about 11 PM and crashing into several parked cars at 425 Main...

I sent the following inquiry to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Don Lewis and Public Safety Department Director Keith Guerra:

I understand there was a car speeding incident and crash last night (around 11 PM) in Southtown adjacent to 425 Main. It reportedly involved a drunk driver.

Observers reported that the car was moving at approximately 50mph on Main Street before the crash.

Any comment?

Thank you.

RIOC's Press Spokesperson answered:

We can tell you that there were no injuries related to this incident.

I responded:

Can you confirm if the driver of the car was drunk and the approximate speed of the car traveling on Main Street?

I was told that the driver may have been drunk and that the car was traveling at approximately 50 mph.

No further response from RIOC.

I spoke with a NYPD Press Spokesperson who reported that the driver of the car involved in this incident is a Roosevelt Island resident without a license to operate the vehicle. The driver was found with empty beer bottles in the car, refused to take a breath analyzer test and was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and resisting arrest.

Later in the day, RIOC posted this description of the incident on the Daily Public Safety Report:

01/06/13 - 2247 - F/O 425 Main Street - DWI - Property damage - No injuries - Subject arrested by PSD

Also listed on the 1/6 - 7 Daily Public Safety Report was this incident:

01/06/13 - 1944 - R/O 1 Main St - Solicitation - People advised no solicitation permitted

Will try and find out what that was about.

Roosevelt Island Larceny Reported Yesterday Near Fire Station - RIOC Refuses To Provide Relevant Information, Again

I sent the following inquiry earlier today to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Don Lewis and Public Safety Department Director Keith Guerra:

The Roosevelt Island Public Safety report for 12/17 - 18 indicates

12/17 - 1452 - Opp 750 Main St - Larceny - NYPD Filed a report

Where is 750 Main Street - is that opposite Octagon Field, Tennis Court etc?

Also, what was the age and gender of the victim and subject.

What was the item stolen.

Please provide any other relevant information so that the community is aware of what happened.

Thank you.

RIOC's Press Spokesperson replied:

The FDNY firehouse is 750 Main St.

Nothing else.


View Larger Map

According to NY State Penal Law:

S 155.05 Larceny; defined.
1. A person steals property and commits larceny when, with intent to deprive another of property or to appropriate the same to himself or to a third person, he wrongfully takes, obtains or withholds such property from an owner thereof.

Very little info from RIOC, again.

2 Roosevelt Island Arrests For Criminal Weapon Possession This Weekend - RIOC Refuses To Say What Type Of Weapon

I sent the following inquiry to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Don Lewis, Public Safety Director Keith Guerra and RIOC Directors this morning

The 12/15/16 Daily Public Safety Report lists 2 incidents regarding arrests for possession of a weapon this past weekend.

12/15 - 0000 - F/O 200 Main St - Criminal Poss of a Weapon - Criminal Poss of Marijuana - PSD arrested two subjects

12/16 - 0503 - 4 Riverroad - Assault - Criminal Poss of a Weapon - Obstructing Governmental Administration - PSD arrested three subjects and 6 issued c summonses and 2 released to their parents.

Please provide information on these incidents including:

1- What weapons were involved in these incidents,

2- was anybody injured,

3 - did the incidents take place in the buildings or on the street,

4- what time of day

5- were Roosevelt Island residents involved

6- were the two incidents related and

any other relevant information.

I will be publishing post on this today so please let me know if you wish to make any further comment.

Later in the day, I sent this inquiry:

As a follow up to earlier weapons possession email inquiry, were these Disorderly Conduct arrests for 12/15 -16 related to the weapons possession arrests?

12/16 - 0300 - 550 Main St - Disorderly Conduct - PSD arrested subject

12/16 - 0330 - 4 Riverroad - Disorderly Conduct - PSD arrested three subjects

Please provide details on these incidents as well.

RIOC's Press Spokesperson replied:

Both of the 4 River Rd. incidents initiated from the same fight. There were two minor injuries. The 550 Main St. incident was related in that the subject who engaged in the disorderly conduct had come from the 4 River Rd. incident on his own. The 200 Main St. incident was unrelated and resulted in no injuries. The time of each incident is provided in the report.

I followed up with:

Will there be any comment on the weapons possession incident I asked about as well?

The answer from RIOC Press Spokesperson:

Both weapons possession incidents are referred to in our response to your previous email. RIOC has no any additional statement about those incidents.

So, RIOC is silent as to whether the criminal weapon possession arrests were for a gun, knife or something else.

I also asked RIOC about this incident:

The 12/16 -17 Public Safety Report indicates

12/16/12 - 2230 - 540 Main St - Forcible Touching - NYPD filed a report.

What is a "forcible touching". Was there an arrest?

Please provide additional details as to what happened.

No reply yet from RIOC.

Attempted Robbery At Roosevelt Island's 455 Main Street Riverwalk Building Early This Morning

View Larger Map

Earlier today, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Keith Guerra:

According to the Public Safety Report for

9/10 - 0511 - 455 Main St - Attempted Robbery - NYPD on scene no injuries

Please provide additional details as to what happened. Was a weapon involved, the ages of the victim and Robber, what was attempted to be robbed, was the incident inside 455 building, on the Riverwalk Commons or on Main Street as well as any other relevant information.

Thank you.

RIOC's Press Spokesperson replied:

We can tell you that the incident was outside of the building. As the report says, it occurred at 5:11 and there were no injuries.

Roosevelt Landings Robbery, Westview Larceny and More Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incidents From September 1 - 7

Image From RIOC

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Keith Guerra:

The 9/5 Public Safety Report indicates:

9/5 -2229 - 560 Main St - Robbery - Victim Can ID Subjects - NYPD on scene

Please provide additional information including if the incident occurred on the street or in the building, time of day, was the victim an adult or child, how many subjects were involved in the robbery, what was the item stolen, were there any injuries as well as any other relevant information.

Does 2229 indicate the time of the incident as being 10:29 PM?

RIOC's Press Spokesperson replied

The incident occurred inside the building at 10:29pm (time is listed in military time) and there were no injuries.

I also asked Mr. Guerra:

Please provide additional information regarding the larceny report described below.

9/02 - 1840 - 625 Main St - Larceny - NYPD/PSD on Scene

Thank you.

RIOC's Press Spokesperson replied

We can tell you that there were no injuries in this incident.

Below are the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incident Reports for September 1 -7.

9/6/12-7:00 AM to 9/7/12-7:00 AM

9/7 - 0400 - 510 Main St - Found property - Property Secured in PSD.

9/6 - 2259 - 694 Main St - Operating Vehicle with Suspended Licence. PSD Arrested Subject.

9/6 - 2020 - 888 Main St - Aided - Male Transported to local hospital.

9/6 - 0430 - 900 Main St - Missing Person/Aided - Hospital Police on scene.

9/6 - 0930 - 516 Main St - Found Property - Property Secured in PSD.

9/6 - 1200 - 546 Main St - Criminal Mischief - Damages repaired by cable company.

9/5/12-7:00 AM to 9/6/12-7:00 AM

9/5 - 1300 - 510 Main St - Family Concerns (Daughter/Mother) - Referred to NYPD

9/5 - 1900 - Adj 888 Main St - Found Property - Owner retrieved the property

9/5 - 2114 - 455 Main St - Lost Property (Off Island) - Referred to NYPD

9/5 -2229 - 560 Main St - Robbery - Victim Can ID Subjects - NYPD on scene

9/5 - 2259 - Known To The Dept. - Child Abuse Inter Family - Referred to NYPD/ ACS

9/6 - 0430 - 900 Main St - Missing Patient - Search made negative results.

9/4/12-7:00 AM to 9/5/12-7:00 AM

9/4 - 1400 - 510 Main St - Unsecured Door - PSD secured door

9/4 - 1405 - 688 Main St - Unsecured Vehicle - PSD secured vehicle

9/4 - 1450 - 510 Main St - Unsecured Mail - Mailman secured mail

9/4 - 1905 - 546 Main St - Aided - EMS Refused/ No injuries

9/4 - 1925 - 510 main St - Water leak - UA Corrected condition

9/4 - 2125 - F/O 1 Main St - Verbal Dispute - PSD corrected condition

9/5 - 0100 - 900 Main St - Missing Patient - Search made negative results

9/5 - 0500 - 531 Main St - Aided - EMS refused/ No Injuries

9/5 - 0600 - 510 Main St - Dispute - NYPD on scene - condition corrected

9/5 - 0630 - 300 Main St - Alarm - Referred to Tram Supervisor

9/3/12-7:00 AM to 9/4/12-7:00 AM

9/3 - 1205 - 560 Main St - Aided - Removed to hospital

9/3 - 1800 - 580 Main St - Found Property - Owner retrieved property

9/4 - 0630 - 531 Main St - Aided - EMS refused- No Injuries

9/2/12-7:00 AM to 9/3/12-7:00 AM

9/02 - 0957 - 560 Main St Aided - Removed to the hospital

9/02 - 1400 - Unsecured door - Door secured

9/02 - 1500 - S/O 1 Main St - Trespassing - PSD arrested subject

9/02 - 1515 - 580 Main St - Verbal Dispute - No Injuries

9/02 - 1840 - 625 Main St - Larceny - NYPD/PSD on Scene

9/02 - 2039 - 546 Main St - Gas Leak - UA corrected condition

9/02 - 2230 - 10 River Rd - Found Property - PSD secured property

9/1/12-7:00 AM to 9/2/12-7:00 AM

09/01 - 0945 - Found Property - Secured at PSD

09/01 - 1220 - Harassment - No injuries

09/01 - 1425 - Harassment - No injuries

09/01 - 2015 - Shoplifter - Search made with negative results

The Daily Public Safety Reports are listed on sidebar.

Roosevelt Island July 17 Afternoon Exposure Arrest At Blackwell Park, Burglary At Roosevelt Landing And June Roosevelt Island Monthly Public Safety Blotter

Image From RIOC Public Safety Department

 On Wednesday, July 18, I sent the following inquiry to Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra:

The 7/17 -18 daily Public Safety Report indicates:

Exposure of a Person - PSD arrested the subject

Please provide information as to where the incident occurred, what time of day, what were the ages of the subject and victim and any other information that the Roosevelt Island community should be made aware of regarding this incident.

Also, was this incident related to any of the previous Exposure incidents occurring on Roosevelt Island recently.

Thank you.

and followed up with Mr. Guerra on Friday, July 20:

The 7/19 -20 Public Safety report indicates:

Burglary - The victim reported burglary that happened in past. NYPD on scene. PSD detectives notified.

Please provide additional information regarding when and where the incident took place, what was stolen and any other relevant information.

Also, I am following up on the email below requesting information on 7/17 - 18 arrest for exposure.

Thank you.

Here are the details that RIOC's Press Spokesperson said could be provided to the public regarding these incidents:

The burglary took place at 546 Main Street. The victim arrived at PSD on 7/19/12 at 11:40 a.m. to report the incident, but first noticed that there had been a burglary upon returning home the night before (7/18). There were no injuries.

With regard to the exposure of a person, the incident took place on 7/17/12 at 3:17 p.m. at 500 Main Street (Blackwell Park). No injuries there either.

Also, the Roosevelt Island June 2012 Monthly Public Safety blotter is below.

June Public Safety Blotter

Roosevelt Island 2012 Monthly Public Safety statistics through June are here.

Roosevelt Island Grand Larceny - Cell Phone Grabbed, Suspects Apprehended By Public Safety Department

Image From Android Authority

The 5/9 -10 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Report noted:

Grand Larceny - Two male subjects grabbed cell phone from victim. PSD apprehended subjects and they were placed under arrest.

On May 10, I sent the following inquiry to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

Can you please provide additional details as to time of day this occurred, where it occurred, any injuries, how old was victim and suspects, was victim male or female, how long after the incident were the suspects apprehended and any other relevant information.

Thank you.

 Will update if a response is received.

This is how the 5/5 -6 Public Safety Report (on middle sidebar) described the May 5 death of woman falling from Manhattan Park apartment:

Aided- Medical Examiner was on scene, Aided deceased.

Recent Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incidents - Metal Piece Above Roosevelt Landings 546 Main Street Entrance Falls And Hits Person, Another Person Arrested For Being In Park After Dark

 Image From Google Maps

Made the following inquiry to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) yesterday:

The 3/3 - 3/4 Public Safety Reports notes that a person was hit by an object falling from above the entrance to 546 Main Street

Aided - At 546 Main Street. A metal piece above entrance door fell on aided causing pain. Aided removed to the hospital. UA notified.

Please provide additional details regarding this incident including time of day, what was the object that fell and the extent of injuries to the person

Also, this incident was reported for the same day.

Being in Park After Dark - Subject arrested by PSD.

Which park did this occur, what time and why was the person arrested rather than just being asked to leave.

Thank you.

Will update if and when a response is received.

Recent Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incidents - PSD Officers Rescue Man From East River, Pedestrian Almost Hit By Delivery Scooter & Stolen Car Recovered From Motorgate Garage - RIOC Directors Encourage RIOC Staff To Communicate Better With Directors and Media

Delivery Bike image from Workcycles for illustrative purposes only

On February 28, I sent the following inquiry to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez and Public Safety Director Keith Guerra:

The 2/27 - 2/28 Public Safety Report indicates:

Aided - Adj to the Tram. Male jumped into the River. PSD rescued him. EMS removed aided to the hospital.

My understanding was that the man was rescued from East River by NYPD. Is that incorrect? If PSD did rescue the man, I am happy to do a story about that. Can you please clarify what happened at this incident.

Can you provide additional details regarding these incidents reported in the 2/27 - 2/28 Public Safety report?

Investigation - A deliveryman on a scooter almost struck a pedestrian. Owner of the restaurant was notified.

and:

Recovered Stolen Vehicle - At 688 Main Street. PSD and NYPD filed reports and the vehicle was towed out of the garage.

I have been receiving reports from residents concerned about restaurant delivery persons riding their bikes and scooters in an unsafe manner. Which restaurant was the delivery person from, where did incident happen, what time of day did this happen and what will RIOC do to enforce traffic rules and regulations on restaurant deliveries.

On the recovered stolen vehicle - did it belong to a Roosevelt Island resident, how did RIOC learn that the vehicle was stolen, have their been other stolen vehicles found in the Motorgate garage.

Thank you.

Later that day RIOC's Press Spokesperson answered:

The man was rescued from the East River by two PSD officers. NYPD responded, but arrived after he was already receiving treatment.

The delivery man was warned and admonished. Next time, he is observed operating the scooter in an unsafe manner, he will be ticketed.

The stolen vehicle did not belong to an Island resident.

The issue of RIOC staff communications with RIOC Directors and media, including this blog and the WIRE newspaper, was discussed during the February 27 Operations Committee meeting. The RIOC Directors urged the staff to improve communications with the Board as well as with the media. An audio webcast of the Operations Committee meeting is available below and the discussion regarding communications begins at about the 1 hour 43 minute and 30 second mark.



Other items discussed during the February 27 Operations Committee meeting include the Cornell SEQRA Resolution, Roosevelt Island Tram Operations, conditions of RIOC employees warehouse shed facilities, issues with the Roosevelt Island Garden Club and FEMA reimbursing RIOC for Hurricane Irene related spending.

Stolen Property Reported Inside Roosevelt Island Motorgate Garage - Was It A Car, Motorcycle Or Something Else? Will RIOC Tell Us?

Image From Hulu

Reported in February 14 post of a Grand Larceny at 540 Main Street, Roosevelt Landings, and my request of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department for more information:

The 2/11 - 12 Public Safety Report indicates that a Grand Larceny occurred at 540 Main Street.

Grand Larceny - At 540 Main Street.  Search made with negative results.   NYPD filed a report.

Yesterday, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) to provide additional details as to what was stolen, any damage or injuries involved, what time of day the incident occurred and any other relevant information. Will update when RIOC responds with information.

On February 20, I received this response from RIOC's Press Spokesperson:

The Grand Larceny incident at 540 Main Street occurred on 2/11 at 5:35pm.  There were no injuries.

RIOC provided no information regarding what was stolen - just place, time and whether there were any injuries.

How about RIOC performing a public service by informing the Roosevelt Island public

• what was stolen, 
• if the stolen property was taken from a person or from inside an apartment when nobody was home,
• If the property was stolen from a person, was the person threatened, was a weapon involved, was the victim an adult, child, male or female,
• If the property stolen, was taken from inside an apartment, how was access gained?

The press spokesperson is not at fault here - they are only following orders from RIOC staff.

Earlier today, I sent this message to RIOC President Leslie Torres, Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez and Public Safety Director Keith Guerra:

The 2/17 - 18 Public Safety Report indicates:

Stolen Property - Inside Motorgate. NYPD and PSD on scene.

What was the item stolen - was it a car or something else and what time did incident occur.

It would be very helpful and a public service if RIOC will inform what item was stolen in this case as well as other incidents in which there was a robbery, burglary, grand larceny or any other similar incident.

For some reason, RIOC's Press Spokesperson has been told not to report any information regarding what has actually been stolen such as the 2/11 - 2/12 Grand Larceny asked about below.

Will you change RIOC policy to include information disclosing the type of item stolen.

UPDATE 2/22 - RIOC's Press Spokeperson concerning the Motorgate Stolen Property:

This incident occurred at 3:00pm and there were no injuries.

RIOC Does Not Want You To Have Full and Timely Information About Roosevelt Island Public Safety Events - Why?

Surveillance Image From Hawkinspi

Reported previously on the refusal of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) to provide timely and full reports concerning Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incidents. The problem continues. For example, last week I sent the following request to RIOC's Press Spokesperson (RIOC Public Safety Director Keith Guerra is no longer permitted to respond to press inquiries):

I am following up on my inquiry regarding the 1/3- 1/4 unlawful surveillance arrest.

Please advise what was the nature of the unlawful surveillance.

Also, please provide additional details as to what happened regarding these incidents from the 1/18 - 1/19 daily public safety report.

Malfunction Con Edison Transformer - At 560 Main Street. FDNY shut off the power to it. Con Edison notified.

Investigation - At Lighthouse Park. Complaint against NYPD K-9 Training.

Oil Spill - At R.I. Bridge walkway. Corrected by Dept of Bridges personnel. No injuries.

RIOC's Press Spokesperson replied:

as we agreed to a while back, all the detail I can provide you with is time, location, and information about whether or not someone was injured. For everything else, you'll need to go through a FOIL request.

I responded to the Press Spokesperson copying RIOC Senior Staff and RIOC Directors:

Nothing was agreed to that precludes RIOC staff from providing additional information about Roosevelt Island Public Safety incidents in a timely and complete manner.

By requiring FOIL requests to be submitted for such simple questions regarding particular events which do not involve any individual or personal privacy interests merely increases the perception of many residents in the Roosevelt Island community that RIOC Staff is attempting to hide unpleasant or embarrassing incidents from becoming public.

Why is it necessary to FOIL what type of complaint was made about the NYPD K9 training at Octagon, what happened with the oil spill at RI Bridge Walkway and the Con Ed Transformer issue? Also, why won't RIOC provide further details about the unlawful surveillance arrest mentioned below or the Public Safety Officer who for no apparent reason crashed into 2 parked cars in front of PS/IS 217 recently.

There has been speculation that the officer may have been texting while driving. By providing timely and accurate information, RIOC will prevent unfounded rumors from spreading throughout the community. I find it difficult to understand why RIOC does not understand this simple concept.

I know this is not your decision but RIOC staff can easily provide this information without requiring any FOIL process. To do otherwise, only contributes to the appearance that RIOC staff is deliberately hiding information from the public.

 I also asked RIOC:

The RIOC December Public Safety Blotter reports on the 12/13 Child School Gun incident as follows:

JUVENILE RELATED (INCIDENTS)
12/13/2011 566 Main St NYPD ARREST Male student threatened staff with a gun and fled the scene.  Male was apprehended by NYPD and taken into custody.  Parents notified and on scene.

Does this report confirm that there was a gun present during the incident or that the student only claimed to have a gun and did not in fact have one? Also, why is this categorized as a Juvenile Related Incident? According to RIOC's statement, the student was 18.

RIOC's Press Spokesperson replied:

blotter doesn't confirm anything, just says there was a threat. It was categorized as a juvenile incident because it  happened in a school and psd did not know the student was 18.

Roosevelt Island October Public Safety Incident Blotter - Marijuana Possession, Open Container, Unleashed Dog, Reckless Driving, Assault, Rock Throwing & More - Issues Remain With RIOC On Disclosing Public Safety Incident Information

I sent the following message yesterday to  Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra and Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Press Spokesperson.

The 11/26 -27 Public Safety Report notes

Criminal Possession of Marijuana - Two subjects arrested by PSD.

Can you provide additional details as to the place, time, were the subject Roosevelt Island residents and any other relevant information on this arrest. How much marijuana was involved?

RIOC's Press Spokesperson replied:

Criminal Possession of Marijuana:
11/27/11 at 11:30pm, outside of 425 Main St. No Injuries.

RIOC declined to report whether the subjects arrested were Roosevelt Island residents or the amount of marijuana involved. Also, RIOC did not disclose where the incident took place at 425 Main Street. Was it in front of the building entrance, across the street in Firefighters Field, in the Commons area or outside the Riverwalk Bar?

The 11/10 -11 Public Safety incident report indicated a Grand larceny occurred:

Grand Larceny - Referred to PSD Detectives.

I asked RIOC:

 Can you provide additional details regarding where it occurred, what time of day, item stolen, anyone injured and any other relevant information

RIOC spokesperson replied:

The larceny occurred at 625 Main St. after 7pm.  No injuries.  An arrest was made by PSD.

RIOC declined to report what item was subject of the larceny or whether the subject arrested was a Roosevelt Island resident.

As can be seen from the above examples there are still issues remaining regarding RIOC's willingness to make public relevant information regarding Public Safety incidents, though it has become much better. There is no reason why RIOC cannot report an incident occurred with greater specificity including what item was stolen in a grand larceny and whether subjects arrested were Roosevelt Island residents.

The Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Incident Reports are archived on the blog's sidebar.

Below is the RIOC Public Safety Monthly Incident Blotter for October 2011. The Monthly Blotter Reports are much more detailed than the Daily Public Safety Reports but they report on incidents 6- 8 weeks old. Included in the October Blotter are these incidents:

• C-SUMMONS Dog observed at location without being on a leash. Dog owner advised but would not comply. Summons issued. (10/24, opposite 475 Main Street),
•  A nail was found sticking out of one of the swings to the child playground area at location. Tape was placed on it until the condition could be corrected. Building management notified. (10/16, adjacent to 8 River Road),
• Victim stated an unknown male approached her stating she was in health code violation and would correct the condition if she paid him $937. Victim refused NYPD. (10/20, 570 Main Street),
• ARREST Male and female subjects observed with open container. Subjects were issued summonses and released. (10/1, 560 Main Street),
• ARREST Two male subjects observed smoking illegal substance. Both subjects placed into custody, issued summonses and released. (10/8, 595 Main Street),
• ARREST Male subject observed in possession of marijuana. Subject taken into custody and also found to be in possession of 30 pills of unprescribed Xanax. Subject transported to Manhattan Central Booking for arrest processing. (10/13, 200 Main Street),
• ARREST Male subject observed in possession of marijuana. Subject taken into custody and transported to the 114 Precinct for arrest processing. (10/16, 200 Main Street),
• ARREST Nine male subjects (one youth) at location unlawfully. All subjects were taken into custody. Male youth released to his parents. Other eight subjects issued summonses and released.(10/31, 900 Main Street),
• NYPD ARREST NYPD Officer requested assistance apprehending two subjects involved in possession of stolen property. Both subjects were taken to 114 Precinct by NYPD Officer for arrest processing. (10/14, 425 Main Street),
• ARREST Female subject taken into custody after being seen throwing rocks at windows of location causing over $1,500 in damages. Building management on scene. Subject sustained injuries to her head causing bleeding from broken windows. EMS on scene. Subject transported to Manhattan Central Booking for arrest processing. (10/22, 540 Main Street),
• Female victim was assaulted by a female subject at location causing injury to her face. EMS on scene and transported victim to Mt. Sinai hospital. NYPD notified and on scene for report. (10/24, 400 Main Street),
• ARREST Male subject driving recklessly down Main Street. Subject was pulled over, but refused to stop. Subject drove away striking Officer causing injury. License information processed to reveal address of subject. Subject was apprehended and taken into custody. Upon search subject was in possession of marijuana. Subject transported to 114 Precinct for arrest processing. (10/28, 540 Main Street)

RIOC Public Safety October Blotter

Click here for the Roosevelt Island Public Safety statistics for 2011 thru October.

Manhattan District Attorney Roosevelt Island Presentation On Criminal Justice System & Arrest To Sentencing Process Wednesday Evening - RIOC Makes It More Difficult To Obtain Timely and Accurate Information About Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incidents

Image From Manhattan District Attorney's Community Affairs Unit

The Manhattan District Attorney's office and Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) will be conducting a joint informational meeting Wednesday November 9 on the:

Criminal Justice System & Arrest To Sentencing Process

 RIOC President Leslie Torres described the event in her last Report to the Community:

...New York County District Attorney's Office Community Meeting

The New York County District Attorney's Office, in partnership with the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department, will be hosting an informative community meeting on the Criminal Justice System and Arrest to Sentencing Process at the Good Shepherd Community Center (546 Main Street) on Wednesday, November 9th from 7pm to 9pm. Attendees will get information on the following:
• The PSD's role in the community and their initiatives
• Why the Manhattan District Attorney's Office has the authority to prosecute and
investigate crimes on Roosevelt Island
• An explanation of the criminal justice process in New York County
• The differences between a violation, misdemeanor and felony
• What is the arrest to sentencing process for adult offenders
• The role of Family Court in the criminal justice system
• The Manhattan District Attorney's new re-entry and juvenile justice initiatives

I encourage you all to come out. Light refreshments will be served....

The meeting will be at the Good Shepherd Community Center from 7-9 PM at 543 Main Street (not 546 Main Street). Among the items on the Agenda is:

The PSD's role in the community and their initiatives 

The Public Safety Department's role in the community, particularly RIOC's method of distributing information regarding their actions is very topical at the moment.

For the past several years, beginning with the approval of former RIOC President Steve Shane, the Public Safety Department would include the Roosevelt Islander Blog on the email distribution list for the daily Public Safety Incident Report which would then be posted on the Blog for the community to be able to view and be aware of. The practice of including this Blog on the email distribution list stopped soon after Mr. Shane's departure.  Mr. Shane's successor,  RIOC President Leslie Torres, promised that instead of my being on the Daily Public Safety report email distribution list she would send me a copy of the report after it was reviewed that same day. That practice did not last long and stopped too.

RIOC does post the daily report on it's web site, though only for that specific day other than weekend reports which generally appear the following Monday. On occasion there are reports on RIOC's web site of an assault, robbery, burglary, fight, shooting or other incident impacting the safety or quality of life for Roosevelt Island residents. When I see those types of incidents I ask RIOC for additional information such as the location and time of day of the incident, was anyone injured, what was stolen and whether Roosevelt Island residents were involved.

I believe information regarding these type of incidents is news and that the Roosevelt Island community should be made aware of these incidents in a timely and accurate manner. I do not ask for, nor publish, any information that would reveal specific identities of those involved or ongoing investigations. As reported in this October 18 post:

... 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....

During a subsequent meeting with RIOC President Leslie Torres and RIOC's new lawyer last week, I was advised that from now on neither Mr. Guerra nor the Community Relations Office will respond to press/blogger requests for additional information on Public Safety Report information. Any request from the Roosevelt Island Blog for Public Safety Incident information must be made through a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) filing - a process that could take 2 weeks or longer for RIOC's legal department to review. Just a ridiculous, cover your ass requirement.

The type of information requested is generally available in the Monthly Public Safety Blotter. However, that information is not made public for 6-8 weeks after an incident occurred.

Below is the September Roosevelt Island Public Safety Blotter. Here are how some of those incidents are described:

• Dog was left unattended in a vehicle with windows slightly opened. Owner was located and advised his dog cannot be left unattended in a vehicle. (outside 425 Main Street, 9/12),
• Victim advised male subject (contractor) began using profanity towards him telling him and his workers to move out of the way while subject was in a vehicle. Subject then attempted to force victim out of the road with his vehicle. R/O on scene and spoke to subject's employer. All in order. (opposite 100 Main Street/9/19),
• Bed bug infestation at residence. Tenant was placing items in the hallway. Tenant advised to cease. Condition is being treated. (580 Main Street/9/21),
• Victim stated unknown male approached her and asked if he could urinate in front of her. Search of area for subject yielded negative results. (686 Main Street, 9/4),
• Victim advised on a previous date an unknown male seemed to be following her at various locations island wide. Victim was advised to report any future incidents right away and was provided with PSD phone number. (10 River Road to 455 Main Street, 9/8),
• Three male subjects observed taking pictures of bridge and power plant. NYPD on scene to run an identification check. All in order. NYPD advised subjects to delete the pictures. Subjects were released. (500 Main Street, 9/10),
• Reporter advised three unknown individuals were loitering in hallway of location making a hand to hand exchange. Upon arrival subjects were not on scene. Search of area for subjects yielded negative results. (595 Main Street, 9/11),
• Report of suspicious male looking into vehicles at location. Search of area yielded negative results for subject. (688 Main Street, 9/20),
• Male observed in hallway and upon being seen fled to the stairwell. Search of area yielded negative results. Male left behind a small bag of marijuana, a lighter and a rolled up cigar. (560 Main Street, 9/29),
• ARREST Male subject observed at location unlawfully. Upon search of subject one bag of marijuana, a screwdriver, two GPS Systems and several metro cards were in his possession. Subject was transported to 114 Pct for arrest processing. (546 Main Street,9/10)
• ARREST Male subject observed attempting to conceal illegal substance. Subject was taken into custody for possession of marijuana and transported to the 114 Pct for arrest processing. (500 Main Street, 9/12)
• ARREST Female subject taken into custody after being seen involved in sexual misconduct with a male youth. Subject transported to 114 Precinct for arrest processing. Youth's parent notified and on scene. (888 Main Street, 9/26)
• Victim advised two male subjects forcibly took her handbag from her. Handbag contained $600 in cash and various forms of ID. Victim found handbag in stairwell with all contents except for cash. Search of area for subjects yielded negative results. NYPD on scene for report. (540 Main Street, 9/11)
• ARREST Male and female victim assaulted and robbed by three male subjects known to victim. Both victim's sustained injuries and treated by EMS. NYPD on scene for report. Search of area for subjects yielded negative results. Ongoing investigation. Update - 9/17/11 Three male subjects arrested by PSD Officers in connection with robbery of 9/15/11 and transported to Manhattan Central Booking for arrest processing. (500 Main Street, 9/15) and
• Victim advised three males approached her and attempted to take her Iphone. Victim resisted and one male subject grabbed her by the shoulders and took her headphones. Search of area for subjects yielded negative results. NYPD notified. (888 Main Street, 9/23)

There is no valid reason why the type of specificity in the Monthly Blotter cannot be provided in the Daily Public Safety Report. After all, as Ms. Torres reported in her recent Community Report, RIOC recently won an award;

... given by the State Chief Information Officer and Office for Technology (CIO/OFT) in recognition of a state or local government entity that has demonstrated innovative use of web 2.0 technology to advance their organizations core mission, serve citizens and foster open government and civic engagement.

Communicating and exchanging ideas with the Roosevelt Island community is a top priority for us...

Let's see RIOC's commitment to open government and communicating to the Roosevelt Island community applied to the Public Safety Reports and not hide behind bureaucratic cover your ass legalisms.

I have had several long discussion with senior RIOC staff about this issue. I still hope to resolve this issue so that the Roosevelt Island community is informed about Public Safety Incidents in a timely and accurate manner.
RIOC September Public Safety Blotter

UPDATE 5:15 PM -Was advised today during a phone conversation with RIOC President Leslie Torres and a subsequent email from a RIOC spokesperson that:

In response to your request for additional Public Safety Report information, RIOC will provide the time, location, and information about whether or not someone was injured.

... RIOC will generally not comment further.

For the most part, I think that is fair. More information is better but let's see how it works out.