Local councilmembers are proponents of a plan requiring a public posting pointing to local police precincts.
Councilmembers Elizabeth Crowley and Diana Reyna announced legislation that would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to install signage directing residents to the local police station.
The 104th Precinct, which polices Ridgewood, Glendale, Middle Village and Maspeth, is located on Catalpa Avenue, tucked away from any major thoroughfares and may be difficult to find for those unfamiliar with the area.
“Every resident should be able to easily find their local police precinct, and being unable to do so poses a serious public safety risk,” said Crowley. “The DOT already installs many directional signs. Adding signage for police precincts should be a no-brainer.”
Residents often need to visit police precincts to file complaints and receive police reports. Locals and leaders have requested the DOT to install the sign, but were denied, Crowley said.
“Just as we indicate to the public where local hospitals are located, so should we inform the public where their local police precincts are located,” said Reyna. “This legislation addresses an essential public safety issue by providing greater access to information about law enforcement.”
Assemblymember Mike Miller called the signage an important, logical step in helping increase the safety of the community.
The 104th Precinct did not return calls for comment.
According to a release from Crowley, signs are installed at the request of the community, but the DOT said the signage does not meet their criteria.
The DOT said that it does not comment on legislation prior to a city council hearing.
