Letter: My First Time in the 71st Precinct
CrownHeights.info received the following letter in our mailbox, addressed to the 71st Precinct by a grateful Crown Heights resident. The author describes the courtesy, professionalism and genuine concern he experienced from the officers of the precinct, as well as the successful resolution to a crime committed against him:
“I’m gonna need $1,000 if you want me to return your phone” said the text that came at 2:30 pm on Friday. We were supposed to meet him at 3:00. I decided then that we need to involve the authorities; and we walked over to the 71st precinct.
It all began Thursday afternoon, at a bank. I was filling out some forms and put my phone down beside me. Two minutes later, I realized my phone was missing.
Throughout the day, I tried to call the phone from different numbers to see if I can contact someone that may have it. Finally, towards the evening, a male answered the phone “My daughter found the phone in the bank; I have the same model and she thought it’s mine”. Being a good citizen and also genuinely believing him, I offered him a generous reward, of $300 for his trouble, if he returns the phone to me. He happily agreed and we made up to meet that same day, at 3:00 pm at Chase bank. Three o’clock came and went and there was no meeting. I showed up at the bank, called and called, but no response. That night he contacted me again, saying we can meet tomorrow same time, same place.
“I’m gonna need $1000 if you want me to return your phone” came the text at 2:30 pm on Friday. I decided then that it was time to get the authorities involved. This man was now extorting money from me, which is a crime. My brother-in-law and I went to the 71st precinct and were introduced to Sergeant Rodgers, Officer Williams, Officer Sanchez and Officer Smith. Immediately we felt we were in secure and confident hands. They were professional and helpful. They explained to us that this happens often and that since money was being extorted, he’s committing a crime and they would get our phone back and arrest him.
“I’m gonna need $2,000 for the phone” came the next text. It was 2:45pm, getting close to the meeting time. The text also said that we should meet him at Atlantic mall. The officers took me and my brother-in-law, drove us over to Atlantic mall, while discussing the plan. We’d stay in Starbucks coffee waiting for the perpetrator and when we’d signal, the officers would jump in to do the arrest.
We waited and waited; 10, 20, 30 minutes passed. Finally we got a call. “where are you?” I stood up and waved my hands so the perpetrator would notice me.
He said he saw me and was coming over. We noticed him and 2 friends crossing the street towards us. He showed us the phone, my brother in law signaled, and within 5 seconds two officers had him on the floor, and the 3rd came and handcuffed him. We went back to the precinct where we waited for the officers to finish the report.
I want thank each officer for their dedication and the professionalism they showed to us. They ensured that we felt in competent hands and did a fabulous job with the arrest. Everything went as planned. Another thought that I want to share is what most impressed me about the whole ordeal was how the officers interacted and dealt with us. They made us feel so comfortable the entire time. From when we walked in, they greeted us in a friendly way, they helped calm us, they took us in their cruise cars to the meeting and waited patiently with us. Finally, I want to commend them for making the arrest so smoothly and making the whole experience the least dramatic and stressful as possible.
This was truly the work of brave selfless men, who give up their time and energies and devote themselves to the safety and security of our neighborhood.
This is just one story told, but there are many untold….
I salute you,
A Resident of Crown Heights
moshe
had a very similar case also had these idiots locked up
but my phone they took at gun point
Yehuda from Miami
May all extortionists get what they deserve thank you for the encouraging story.
Great Story
Glad it had a happy ending!
Shmuli
Thank you officers for protecting us and not letting criminals take over our neighborhood.
Thank you cops, If only all cops were like you
Thank you cops!
Don’t wanna spoil the story, but all I can say is that if only all cops were like the ones mentioned above. Sadly many (if not most) are of a different sort, if you don’t follow the news on Police related stories in NYC and around the US, feel free to fill yourself in now, with a few web searches. Alternatively you could not, and not ruin your image of many of them. Your choice, though forewarned is forearmed.
Said cops please show the othes
Those officers should give lectures to the others in our city and all over on how to actually do what they’re supposed to be doing “CPR” – Courtesy, Professionalism, and Respect (looks familiar? every squad car says so). Too many cops are not of the kind mentioned in this story.
person
Good stuff..
Nice story
Thanks for posting. good relations with the local PD should be our goal.
Crown heights
wow what a happy ending. Thank you for sharing the story.
Just Me!
most of the cops are really ok – many are downright nice – you only hear about the few rotten ones.
Remember that always and don’t judge a group – any group as its easy to generalize.
ASB
Well Said!
To "Just me!"
Your point is well taken, but in actuality there are more than a few rotten cops, maybe you should start following the numerous stories every few days of police brutality of all forms and types, that’ll make you sick to your stomach, literally.
You're not so right
To Mr. Just Me:
I’m sure there are many good cops, but definitely not most. follow commentor “Thank you cops…” advice and (to quote): “if you don’t follow the news on Police related stories…feel free to fill yourself in now, with a few web searches”.
Yanky
It’s good to know that for a change, the 71st Precinct did something right. Most of the time they are unhelpful and incompetent. I was once threatened by a dangerous and mentally ill person and went to the 71st Precinct, and the officers told me, “Now, now, you’re fellow Jews, aren’t you? Why can’t you settle this among yourselves?” In the end the individual who threatened me carried out his threat, and I was caused thousands of dollars of damage. Way to go, 71st Precinct!