Schools Cancel After-school Program, Police and Shomrim Step up Patrols

Neighborhood schools ended early and cancelled after school programs, NYPD added many additional patrols as did the local neighborhood volunteer patrol Shomrim, all following a decision by a Grand Jury not to indict a police officer in the death of Staten Island resident Eric Garner.

Tensions are abound following a grand jury decision of “no-bill”, dismissing all potential charges against NYPD police officer Daniel Pantaleo, who was seen in cell phone video pulling Eric Garner to the ground, in an apparent headlock or choke hold, during a confrontation on Staten Island in July of 2014.

Garner is heard during the video pleading with officers, saying he cannot breathe. He later died and the Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide.

In light of the ruling the 71st Precinct’s Community Affairs Unit issued an advisory stating “we do not anticipate any issues, but we will be stepping up patrols and adding extra officers to assure the community [that we will not tolerate] any violence.”

Associated Beth Rivkah, the largest girl’s school in Crown Heights, took preemptive action and cancelled their after-school program in order to assure the safety of the students. In a robocall the parents were notified of the decision at around 3:00pm.

The Crown Heights division of Shomrim told CrownHeights.info that they too are stepping up patrols, “we will be manning our command post on Crown and Kingston, as well as increasing our visible marked patrols throughout the evening,” adding that “this is Crown Heights and we all know how a situation can change in a minute.”

Shomrim asked that residents not hesitate to call their hotline if they see any unruly behavior, and take extra care in the coming days. “Always be aware of your surroundings and try to travel in pairs,” a coordinator said.