Teenage perspectives on Precinct Meetings
The goal of the Trellis Crew reporters continues to be to provide opportunities for teenagers of color to be in public meetings so they can hear the concerns and questions of the community and then be able to share their perspectives on what they are learning.
Criminal justice reform is one of the central goals of Trellis and policing is a part of this intricate puzzle. Part of our mission includes helping people on different sides of issues better hear from and understand each other with the hope of changing conversation and policy as issues of injustices are increasingly humanized through these interactions.
Recently we had two different crew members visit police precinct meetings, both having never attended before…
“I had never actually been to a community board meeting before, so I’d just like to give a brief analysis of what I saw and heard at the meeting at the 76th precinct.
When I first showed up it was just a couple of people there waiting around for it to start; it started on time at 7:30 pm. Before any announcements were made, we stood up to recite the pledge of allegiance. I don’t know if its just me, or if I felt as if that was unnecessary due to the objective at hand, which was to address certain community issues as well as to get an update on the precinct and the work of the officers.
The precinct gave a report of their progress in the community and it was as follows;
Crime is down 4% in the 76th, collisions are down 6%, bike collisions are down 8%. There’s only been one fatal collision incident in the year of 2018. In conclusion, everything looks really great and they couldn’t be happier with the amount of success that they’ve had this past year.
Now when it came to the atmosphere of the room, I felt that it was a little bit tense, as if the people coming in as well as the officers, expected some sort of conflict, so both sides went into it with their guard slightly up. Now when the people of the community stepped up to share their complaints to the precinct officials about certain officers and issues in their neighborhood and I felt as if it was overlooked and went through one ear and out the other. there was one gentleman, who spoke up to complain about his unlawful arrest, and the fact that the officers involved refused to give him their cards or identify themselves, and him being a lawyer, he most definitely knew his rights. However, as he was sharing his complaint about the incident, I don’t feel as if he was actually being listened to and the officials just argued with him for a while about it, until he was asked to sit down in a very assertive tone by one of the officials. From what I saw, I believe that these cops don’t like to hear complaints about their own because it makes them feel as if they’re personally being attacked, which they aren’t. the community has a right to express how they feel about police and also has the right to complain when certain officers don’t do their job properly, without feeling as if they aren’t being heard.
In conclusion, I don’t feel as if there was a positive takeaway from this meeting, I feel that we need to gain an understanding and mutual respect for each other so that both sides don’t feel that the meetings are a waste of valuable time. ”
“Many, but not many things can be said about Wednesday night. I had gotten to the 76th precinct 40 minutes after the townhall “talk” started. I was yet to find out it had already ended, but an hour hadn’t passed... Nonetheless, I had to work with what I could, so I asked for flyers and a brief agenda of what was discussed. After waiting 5-7 minutes a guy came up to me and discussed the papers I was receiving. A lot of the papers had to do with prevention, protection, and safety; things/tips that could be comprehended via reading. Moreover, options to have in case of an emergency. In addition, I saw a few papers from Gowanus representatives and Brooklyn’s in general: Jo Anne Simon and Eric L. Adams specifically. Information was basic, nothing I hadn’t seen/read before. However, what I am not fond of is the fact that I have yet to see these representatives in my neighborhood, although they claim to depict a representative for all. I digress.
What I did learn was that the the Brooklyn is broken up into 4 parts, or at least the BK I know. A,B,C, and D map out the areas police officers neighbor patrol. A is Gowanus, B is carroll gardens, C is Brooklyn heights, and D is Red Hook. This has helped me understand the language cops use and how the operate to better serve Brooklyn
The meeting was held inside of the 76th precinct for the community and officers of the area. The 76th precincts officers surrounded the room in a very respectful and comfortable manor, while the people of the community sat in desks and ask several community concerns and asked for information on future events held in the area and precinct. The meeting also had a table to the left of room when you first walk in for information on The holiday toy drive, that’s located in the “Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.”
I’m a 17 year old teen, a youth in the community and as soon as I stepped foot into that room it felt like you could hear a pen drop. All the eyes were on me, as if I had no particular business being there, but it wasn’t a hostile environment. My questions were answered and in a very respectful manner. At first, I felt a bit of discomfort sitting around a bunch of men and woman with guns equipped on them, but as the questions and answers started flowing, and the laughs filled up the room, with good intentions all around I felt at peace and was willing to be apart of this meeting mentally all the way.
Various Questions were asked from people such as “How can we make ourselves helpful for this Area?” And the officers would politely respond with “We would love to be able to work with the residents of this community together to make our District The Best and safest place possible “The 76th precincts officials made it clear that if anyone had any concerns or questions regarding anything, that there doors are open and is the district attorney’s office open for the holiday toy drive. This Very productive meeting ended with a “we will email you information on our next meeting that we can’t wait to host.”Questions were answered, and smiles were everywhere.”
Again you can find out more about where and when your precinct meeting is happening HERE. Being at these meetings allows you to voice your own concerns, hear the concerns of others and allows you to be seen and known by the officers in your community.