By Ivan Pereira
A group of southeast Queens auxiliary police officers gathered at the Scarlet Ibis Restaurant in Jamaica on April 9 to rally for more rights as volunteer civil servants. Although the officers dress in police uniforms, wear badges and assist officers, many auxiliaries feel they are helpless since the city gives them few resources and benefits.”We may not be armed, but we, too, take risks,” said Eddie Camejo, the 103rd Precinct auxiliary lieutenant officer. “When is New York City going to change the rules and get us out of the Dark Ages?”The auxiliaries, who are not paid for their work, talked about a number of problems they had with their rules and obligations, especially the lack of parking placards for their civilian vehicles. In March, Mayor Michael Bloomberg reduced the number of placards for city employees, and the volunteer officers lost access to special parking around their precincts, according to Curtis Campbell, the auxiliary deputy inspector of the 103rd.The removal of the placards, according to Campbell, was one of many moral letdowns for his officers. “We all felt it was a slap in the face,” he said.The auxiliaries also demanded better training and resources to do their job. Although they were recently issued bulletproof vests, the auxiliaries do not have any weapons except for a wooden batons.Shawn Davies, the auxiliary executive officer at the 103rd Precinct, cited last year's murders of auxiliary officers Eugene Marshalik and Nicholas Pekearo, who died trying to stop a violent robber in Manhattan, as a prime example of the dangers they face.”This program has been in effect for 58 years. The change needs to happen now,” he said.The commanding officers urged their members ask the City Council to create new laws governing their rights. City Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St.Albans), who attended the rally, also encouraged the officers, who can range from ages 17 to 60, to let their voices be heard.”I have no problems with supporting their agenda. As usual, the administration picks on the little people who don't need to be picked on at all,” he said.Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 146.
