Op-Ed: Police, Schoolyard Bullies?
While it would be reckless to make a carpet statement against the entire police force, or just the 71st Precinct, it does not change the feeling I felt when I watched police officers belittle our volunteer patrolmen, Shomrim, by pressuring the victim into saying he wasn’t one hundred percent sure it was those that were in custody that assaulted him, then letting them go.
Now as if that alone wasn’t enraging enough, when we – the gathered crowd – protested this, quite vocally, Sergeant Lenny Signal along with Police Officer Pablo Rivera went ahead and arrested a Shomrim member, one who was vocal about the injustice.
But before making the arrest, Officer Rivera whet ahead and used excessive force against a storeowner who was there protesting the release of the teens that Shomrim apprehended. Rivera grabbed him by his jacket and shook him, then shoved him while yelling at him. Your typical schoolyard bully, you can’t stand up to him because you’ll get arrested, and you have to let him push you because if you resist you’ll get arrested.
I personally observed the teenage criminals run up from East New York with the Jewish victim chasing them along with workers from the Shuk, I joined in myself and called Shomrim and 911. When the officers showed up I myself tried to approach and tell the officers what I saw, a public school teacher did the same, only she was saying that she saw the actual crime take place and that she recognizes the teens that were in custody as those who were part of the attack, and I myself recognizing them from when I saw them running away from the people chasing them.
Instead Officer Rivera told me to ‘get lost’ his very words, and the school teacher who pulled out her Department of Education ID card he told her ‘ma’am everything is under control, you can leave’. And they didn’t even bother taking her information or mine.
I saw Rivera shoving another Shomrim member towards the end of the incident, he was yelling at him “do you want to get arrested?” while the Shomrim member was yelling back “An officer is assaulting me! An officer is assaulting me” in a desperate attempt to get the officer off and away from him, when another bystander pulled out a camera phone and began taking pictures, he backed off.
I was at the last Precinct Council Meeting where Inspector Vega told us about a spike in cell phone robberies and that the police will be extra vigilant with catching and arresting the perpetrators of such crime. So Inspector Vega I ask you what in the world happened here? Not only did they not even try to make the arrest, they went and sabotaged the whole incident by trying to shift the focus!
Is this how we fight crime? Is this what you train your officers to do?
Last night I heard that this Rivera used to be in charge of the Auxiliary Police program but was removed after there were a number of complaints made against him for inappropriate behavior. And I heard from Shomrim members that from their experience with Rivera he enjoys playing investigator, judge and jury on scene.
The incident they were referring to was on New Years a former employee at Café Rimon had an argument with the owner over his paycheck and pulled out a knife on him, Shomrim were called and settled the argument but officer Rivera, one of the responding officers, began questioning the employer asking him if he threatened him with the knife? Did he say he was going to stab you? When the employer answered that he did not, Rivera said that he did not commit a crime and did now want to arrest him. (Read that story here: Click Here)
After feeling as I did I called up IAB and CCRB and voiced my outrage and filed an official complaint against Rivera.
This Thursday is the Precinct Council meeting at 400 Empire Blvd. in the Public School at 7:30pm, I beg of you, fellow residents, come and show your support and solidarity, let’s make our voices heard, that we will not stand for this kind of treatment.
I see how these Shomrim volunteers give from their own time and put their lives on the line, the very least we can do is show our support!
Phone Number for C.C.R.B. Complaints: 1 (800) 341-2272
Phone Number for I.A.B. Complaints: 1 (212) 741-8401
An Angry and Violated Resident,
Eli Kohen
This Op-Ed reflects the views of its author. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CrownHeights.info nor of its Editors.
A reader that wishes to make his or her voice heard on any topic of their desire is welcome to submit his or her Op-Ed to News@CrownHeights.info.
thursday night police meeting
let us all show up this thursday night at the meeting and show vega that he can not get away with treating us like crap!
YOSSI
This rivera looks like he has full of hate and animosity in him.
The only way to get some results is when it gets some publicity. So crownheights.info continue… YOU’RE DOING A GREAT JOB PROTECTING US!!!
anonymous
chutzpa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!lets show them what shomrim do!
Dovid
We must carry around videos and cameras so that we can always film these incidents. I urge you to make a fundraiser to collect money for camera to be used by shomrim to tape all their incidence and use them as evidence. I will be the first to donate.
joe
maybe put that officer’s name on that copwatch website
concerned
ratemycop.com show that they cant sweep it under the carpet. i checked and their names aren’t in the database yet but you could very soon ‘submit a new officer.’
rachi
VERY well written!!!!!!!! plan on being at the meeting!
Ger Zedek 613
What a bunch of bullies.
Its plain to see that there is a very anti Jewish and white attitude here, and you can expect more of that if Obama is elected Chas Veshalom, we don’t need another David Dinkins standing by quietly and not protecting the citizens of Crown Heights .
This is golus kids, and no matter what anyone says, The world doesn’t want the Jews around. There isn’t anyone else to depend on but G-d. Not the politicians, the leaders, the police, or next door neighbors….Just Hashem.
concerned
there needs to be a way for everyone to find out about this meeting. the problem with most meetings is that ppl don’t know about it.
Marcus
All the protests will get us nowhere. Only a press conference with our lawyers announcing a federal civil rights lawsuit by the community against the city and NYPD will get justice. There is a clear pattern of violation of our civil rights to live in peace, including refusals to arrest criminals, arrest of public minded citizens for no reason, refusal to file reports of crimes, refusal to classify crimes as bias crimes, etc, etc. Someone will have t collect all the stories but most of the info is on your website over the past couple of years. Maybe Dershowitz could be persuaded to get involved.
a frustrated resident
I will be there thursday night, will you? Please have all of your neighbors and friends and family come to this meeting!
Ariyeh Leib Segall
Where are our so called leaders..
They simply refuse to get involved….
They are more talk and hot air than action…
Let’s replace them with people that are not afraid of speaking out….and
most of importantly getting results…
These thursday night meetings are no more than a show …
Let us invite the news media..to show the abuse that is going on…
rep of ch
The police in this neighborhood are unfair. We need better security here in Crown Heights.
Good Job Shomrim, keep it up.
Thursday Night Meeting Bah!
Thursday night Meetings? What a Waste .. Have 500 Crown Heights Children at the Mayors office … screaming “We are not safe from the Goons & the Police/”
happy
forget about meetings. someone has to do something this is bull—
totallyAGREE
nice letter but couldn’t you have it proof read before having it posted online??
LET-S LEARN SOME LAW
I see it necessary to publicize the following in the hope that Shomrim members will read it. If you know a Shomrim member please advise them of this comment.
NY Law provides in its Criminal Procedure code (copied directly of the NY Senate website):
§ 140.30 Arrest without a warrant; by any person; when and where
authorized.
1. Subject to the provisions of subdivision two, any person may
arrest another person (a) for a felony when the latter has in fact
committed such felony, and (b) for any offense when the latter has in
fact committed such offense in his presence.
2. Such an arrest, if for a felony, may be made anywhere in the
state. If the arrest is for an offense other than a felony, it may be
made only in the county in which such offense was committed.
This is a phenomenon known as citizen’s arrest; its’ laws vary from state to state(most notably NC makes no provision for it at all), so don’t assume this applies to all of you on the web reading this!
Practically this means that if a Shomrim member (or anyone else for that matter) SEES PERSONALLY someone committing a MISDEMEANOR(writing a bad check) or receives EVIDENCE EVEN THOUGH HE DID NOT WITNESS IT that someone committed a FELONY – SUCH AS IN YESTERDAYS INCIDENT, WHERE ROBBERY, A FELONY, WAS COMMITTED and witnesses existed to confirm the felony which occurred and identified the perps – Shomrim THEMSELVES have the legal right to ARREST AND DETAIN the perps, drive them down Flatbush Avenue to Brooklyn Court and have them presented to a Magistrate, without the need to involve the Police in the process.
(This detail would have to be double-checked with a legal expert on the matter, but I am pretty sure there are no provisions on the procedure of citizen’s arrest, so it would even be legal for Shomrim members to handcuff the perps while transporting them; on the other hand they are probably also required to read the arrestee his rights).
A handy quick list of what is considered a Felony in NY can be found at the following link:
http://www.storobin.com/pen…
I think with this knowledge we can flip the coin; let Vega come crawling to Shomrim on all fours to ask them to leave all arrests to the police (they need them if they want to get promotions for good statistics).
Another thing which the CHJCC or Shomrim should implement is getting licenses to carry firearms (to obtain a license to CARRY in NYC, on must prove that “proper cause” exists for issuance of such license, the discretion being left to the NYC Police Commissioner to determine what is a proper cause). Although it is not very likely to be approved, I think it is definitely worth a try.
Overall I think the solution to yesterdays problem would be PARTLY remedied by our community providing Shomrim with access to proper legal counsel. Doing so would provide a double advantage; A) It would insure proper prosecution of those who violate the rights of Shomrim (as the police probably did yesterday), and B) It would make Shomrim more effective by making them aware of their full powers as evidenced above.
I WAS THERE, I SAW IT ALL!!
I was there and the officer was afraid of his Sergeant who came after he let the perps go, so he,this same officer rivera diverted the attention by arresting the frustrating but great Shomrim member. I also saw the witness come forward show her teachers ID and said “I saw the whole thing” not one attempt was made to get her statement into evidence. I think the 71st pct should go back to police training. What CHUTZPA!! My message to the 71pct, we live here, when you go home after you shift, we still live here. If you don’t want to do your job stay home and we will do it for you. It is time for us to rise and take back our street “CROWN HEIGHTS” our neighberhood. Low life’s like rivera who chose to be judge and jury on the scene, pick a Pct next to your house so the victims would be your family. When a Jew is robed it’s no big deal, they have money. When a Jew stands up for himself, lock him up!! Shut him up!! Guess what, like the Shomrim member said “ In 1945 I would have gotten a bullet for this, if all I am getting is a summons then keep on righting them because I will never allow a Nazi to shove or belittle another JEW” NEVER AGAIN!!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
anybody ratemycop?
I had a hard time getting anyplace on the ratemycop website, anybody have better luck? maybe some irate cops have managed to hack it?
FlatbushDad
This letter is amazing, and truthfully to me, heartwrenching.
Look guys I don’t live in CH but I urge you not sit behind some facade and think of reasons NOT to go Thursday to that 71st Pct meeting.
Why don’t you insist your neighbor come along with you.
Please do, not only will you be doing anash a big service you’ll be helping you and your children.
Look, for those that are pointing fingers at Moishe or Chanina and all; enough with the he said she said attitude…if you care enough about this basic right stop relying on others and pointing to machloikes and get yourself over there.
A great idea is the cameras or/& video. I urge everyone to have one handy and make sure batteries are always charged. The photos could be priceless.
hatzlocho
Pentax
Here is my opinion:
I personally don’t like the idea of Shomrim for many reasons.
In this story it was obvious that
the officers should of booked the
perpetrators. The best thing to do
in this situation is take out a camera or video camera and start snapping. Another thing to do is to call a news agency they love fighting cops.
Even if he arrested these kids
there parents would come down and
get them out. End Of Story.
If the person (victim) wanted to
prosecute them will he be able
to 100% identify them.
Also Shomrim have really become
a interesting group. They were
meant to be a watch group not
running around holding and beating
people.
It is unlawful for a watchgroup to perform a citizens arrest on someone if they did not see the crime take place.
I bet you didn’t know that.
Conclusion:
Cops should of arrested the perps.
Shomrim and residents should
of spoken politely and if that
didn’t work to document the entire
incident (proof) then call CCRB to
file a complaint. All the complaints are
investigated so it works.
just give 10 minutes of your time
it only takes a few minutes
please do call the numbers listed in the article
1800 341-2272 is one of the numbers this is what you need to know and say when you call
Press 1 for english
press 1 for complaint against an officer
then it will ask you a number of questions to which you may answer as you wish.
were you personaly injured: Yes/No
did you call 311 Yes (please do as well)
did they refer you to this number: yes/no
what is your Name:
Address:
Telephone numbers:
Who is the victem: You are along with your whole comunity…
Victims name: your own
Victims Race: White male jewish
Date of insident: March 24th
Time: about 9:00 am
address of insident: corner of kingston and east new york in brooklyn
how did victim come into contact with the police: they didnt the cops came into physyle contact with the victim who was standing up to an officer who was pushing and bullkying a few residents who were mouthing of at the polkice for letting 3 perps get away
how many officers witness and involved: many witnesses, and 2 but one main cop
phycle decrip and name of cop who you are filing complaint against: Pablo Rivera badge number 15886 white male
uniform: yes
on foot: yes
Prcnt: 71st
arrest: yes, for no reason but said dissorderly conduct
injoury: yes emational injory, a feeling of being misslead
Medical trwatment: we need more them that
please list the full details of your complaint:
use your own words on how this same officer is the same guy who let other go in the past by being quick to jusdge and is sending a bad message to our potencial criminal….
then listen to your whole call and press 1 to conferm…
get this guy a desk job, he deserved it
the original story
for those who missed the original report click here
http://www.crownheights.inf…
What Will It Take
Always Keep in mind that getting posted at the 71st is not a reward; it’s considered a punishment. Many officers posted there are resentful if not outright hateful of the Jews of CH. Most juivenile offenders end up being let go after a night in jail, so the cops don’t want to bother (unless it’s a cop who was assaulted of course)
The officer in question has a history of inappropriate conduct.
If the residents of CH will make a show of force and solidarity, we can have this officer gone tomorrow. This will be a strong lesson for others. If we don’t, th emessage is sent that they can do what they want, that they’re in charge. Already the message is ent to the criminal youth that they can do what they want. All we are asking is what the law provides, the arrest of criminals and the protection of law abiding citizens. The threat of arrest is what bad cops like this one count on to keep citizens in line; this is illegal. Yo ahve the right to free speach, if an officer puts his hands on you and you have done nothing he can be arrested, you have the right to record and photograph anything the police do (do so).
This is a very serious issue; treat it as such. This is your neighborhood, don’t let criminals and criminals with badges take it over.
We always say “Never Again”, this is how it starts.
DO SOMETHING
to pentax
you are eather a dumb a__ or a cop.
in my oppinion your both
i can tell from this comment and if im not mistaken other coments in the past that you wrote.
let me shed some light on this issue
how come me and my whole cominity first call the “watch group” before they call 911
bc they CARE and respond
dont bash them
they work along side the cops and fill in the many holes that the cops leave.
we know that cameras tell the crime but they dont stop them.
about the media, they love cop bashing your right but what happens when they are told they cany come into the monthly 71st counsel meetings BY THE COPS
and about the kids parents that is aall they will do just pick them up
well im not sure what type of parent you are but i sure hope that if your son coimited a crime and you had to pick him up you dont just go from there to dunken donuted for a coffee
it is degrading the kid gets it what for when he gets home
and the small petty crime that he did now ends up making the big time crime that will happen in the future dissapear
its about education.
shomrim dont beat people, you are sure to hear that on the news wold wide if that were to happen
i personly wish they did bc if they did you would nt have any crime in Crownheights.
when it comes to talking nicley and respectevly
ask your fellow freinds in the 71 ank any cop
who talkes to them in the upmost respect
who sides with the way they deal with these issues
“shomrim”
why did this happen
one reason
this guy
is really a whoos and wants to get off the streets onto his desk job
he is scared of the criminals and there fore lets them go
he needs a good old telephone and computer and should be inchage of picking up coffee and filling the water machine
to Ariyeh Leib Segall
comunity leaders
hahahahahah
yes you will see some of them
if they see personal benifit
comunity leaders sticking up
hahahah
that is so funny
which one should come
all of them
oh you think…
you mean they should get along
hahahahha
that is so funny we should make a purim story out of that
Sukkas
I remember 6 Months ago on Sukkas, a cop assaulted a bocher near 770 and when the bocher tried to get the badge number the cop threatened him that he will get arrested.
to pentax
you should really learn how to speak and write- its should have, could have, and would have- Not should of, could of, and would of-
its their parents, not there parents-
please, take a grammar course.
anonymous
The stupid cops! What the hell? Are they protecting us or attacking us? we don’t need MORE attackers! there are enough on the streets and they don’t need assistance! Just because they are wearing an official looking uniform does not give them othaurity to do what they are doing! You can’t arrest someone because they personally offended you! (or can you? because whom i’d like to arrest!) This is not a fair game! Stop playing with us!
DEAR IGNORANCE
My dear ignorant lawyer, please be advised that apprehending people, handcuffing them, is probably not such a clever idea. If you would research your law a little more thoroughly
you would discover that NY law indeed does codify the procedure of a citizens arrest.
If you would have read just another two paragraphs you would have discovered that
NY law requires that a person performing a citizens arrest must deliver said person into the hands of a law enforcement official without any delay. Taking a citizens arrest to a magistrate without calling the local police could be considered an unnecessary delay although I can’t think what one would be charged for, but the magistrate would most probably declare it unlawful if the 71st precinct called up and asked him to which the probably would.
You are correct in another point which some other ignoramus disputed on this thread, that the Shomrim DO have a right to arrest someone.
Your idea of providing legal assistance to shomrim activites is definitely a good idea – especially considering that if they would have taken it from you they would end up getting arrested…..
cr resident
Where is Mayor Bloomberg? Has he been notified about this incident? With Mayor Juliany we never had this noncense!
renegade
@Pentax:
you don’t like the idea of shomrim “for many reasons” or because they make you, as a cop, look bad when you don’t do your job and they have to do it for you?
Contact the Authorities
One of the best things about living in the United States of America
is that there is a Government Office for pretty much any problem you
experience. I’ve contacted relevant government agancies whenever I’ve been
stiffed in issues ranging from insurance, utility service, faulty merchandise,
credit cards, you name it. I’ve gotten results in a good 70% of complaints I’ve filed.
Take the time, and file a complaint with all these three agencies. Chances
are, something might actually get done!
New York City Comission to Combat Police Corruption
(212) 487-7350
https://www.nyc.gov/html/cc…
http://www.pubadvocate.nyc….
Another thing we need is media publicity! Call Curtis Sliwa – he’s the founder of the guardian angels and talkshow host on 770-WABC bet. 5-6 AM and 10-11:45 AM. Call in about this and I’m sure he’ll do his best to get it the attention it deserves.
PS If you want to defend your rights whether for justice, revenge,
or just the kicks, bookmark this page. I’ve found it very handy!
http://www.oag.state.ny.us/…
spelling
I have personally seen crimes take place and the cops let them go but, we all know about that. the reason I’m writing is to request a spell check be put as an option because it’s really getting difficult to read with all these mistakes.
concerend ch-er
the entry by user pentax was written by the 71st prct. it nice to know they monitor this site. You can telll the person whom wrote that, didnt exactly graduate Oheli Torah with honors.
there is a site called http://www.ratemycop.com
I encourage everyone whom is outraged to rate this cop, that site is monitored by nypd brass and internal affairs.
DontBlameRivera
Please do not blame Officer Rivera! He is not at fault! He is only following the lead of D.E. Vega….
Vega is always saying “my” officers! That means he is calling the shots! And by Vega consistently letting the officers get away with this behavior makes him the one to blame!
We all must call for Vegas removal from the 71! NO community member or LEADER should even meet or talk to HIM!
Pentax is not a cop
Pentax is not a cop. He is a 17 year old wanna be. See http://forums.officer.com/s… where he posts that he posted here under the name of Pentax. You can sign up to that forum and you will be able to view his profile and his related sites where you can see who he really is.
TAKE ACTION!!!!
Ok People of our community and beyond;
I hope you’ve all had enough steam releasing and now you’re ready to take action. This is also for people who don’t live in CH.
1. Call 311 and the other numbers and file a complaint, the more the better.
2. GO TO THE MEETING!!! I can not stress this one enough. They will no doubt attempt to change the meeting at the last second, BE PREPARED.
3. Record the meeting. Video cameras, recorders. Whatever. Put it on YouTube if it gets bad.
4. This is for everyone who is not in CH but wants to and should help. DONATE to the Shomrim. There should be a separate article with a donate button and myself and all other non-CH residents should give of your money. It’s tzedaka and Pikuach Nefesh.
5. For someone who has more information, the ACLU should be contacted, or NYCLU.
6. Remember: It’s really not all these people that we’re relying on it’s G-d but we still have to do our part.
Whoever does not take at least one of these steps is a hypocrite in the fullest sense of the word (excluding minors). This website should NOT just be a place to let off steam but a place of ACTION.
Thank you to everyone who has posted useful information; and may we see a decrease in crime, and increase in safety and redemption for all!!!
c.h. resident
i will be there Thursday night but i would love to see chanina and moshe rubashkin there – is this asking too much??!!
invite the media thursday night
Someone should get lots of media at the thursday night meeting if they can guarantee that there will be a good showing from the Jewish community.
Just my 2 cents
To you nebech jews,
The cops have no duty to protect you.. its not their job to make you safe..
http://www.fee.org/publicat…
I am sorry that you feel that they will / should be there to guard you..
“Police have no legal duty to respond and prevent crime or protect the victim. There have BEEN OVER 10 various supreme and state court cases the individual has never won. Notably, the Supreme Court STATED about the responsibility of police for the security of your family and loved ones is ”You, and only you, are responsible for your security and the security of your family and loved ones. That was the essence of a U.S. Supreme Court decision in the early 1980’s when they ruled that the police do not have a duty to protect you as an individual, but to protect society as a whole.“
”It is well-settled fact of American law that the police have no legal duty to protect any individual citizen from crime, even if the citizen has received death threats and the police have negligently failed to provide protection.“
Feel free to keep dreaming.. google around about ”police protection”
Hashem yishmor aleichem.
Also, your legaly allowed to resist false arrest.. its not always smart as they WILL beat you.. BUT you have a MUCH MUCH bigger case afterwards.. see below:
“An arrest made with a defective warrant, or one issued without affidavit, or one that fails to allege a crime is within jurisdiction, and one who is being arrested, may resist arrest and break away. lf the arresting officer is killed by one who is so resisting, the killing will be no more than an involuntary manslaughter.” Housh v. People, 75 111. 491; reaffirmed and quoted in State v. Leach, 7 Conn. 452; State v. Gleason, 32 Kan. 245; Ballard v. State, 43 Ohio 349; State v Rousseau, 241 P. 2d 447; State v. Spaulding, 34 Minn. 3621.
More court cases affirming right to resist unlawful arrest: http://www.constitution.org…
LW
Why doesnt “the heads” go straight back to Kelly and complain? why don’t we get back in touch with the media. Seems to me when it was that racist incident, they were all there. didn’t anyone save a name and phone number?
boruch ben tzvi hakohaine hoffinger
B’H
Class action lawsuit will wake up the city very fast.
This is America? The land of the free and the home of the brave?
G-d shed His grace on thee?
So far G-d has allowed 911.
What’s next, G-d forbid?
The whole society is a sham.
I went through the public school system believing all those great things people say about this country–brainwashing at its best.
Sick of it all
You want to see what the NYPD thinks of the residents of CH, Boro Park, Flatbush etc. go to http://theerant.yuku.com/ and check it out, it’s all there
Go To The PCT Meeting!
torontonian new yorker
when i lived in new york it was never this bad!!!!
i’m not able to come but go in my place!!!
STORM THE PRECINCT!
About 20-25 yrs ago, in Boro Park,
there was an outrage in the community
because a chassid was shot to death
on a Shabbos night. They got the impression – most probably, rightly so, that the police were deliberately negligent in protecting them.
So, what did they do? About a thousand
residents STORMED the 66th precinct and ransacked the place! I think they got better results after that.
privet
if u don’t like the guy and u think he did not do his job fine but to post his badge number and the C.C.R.B number for others is not right! and stop blaming the 71 C.O look at all the good things the police do for us !