Star of Queens: Carolann Foley, president, 107th Precinct Community Council

BY LUKE TABET

Community Service: As president of the 107th Precinct Community Council, Carolann Foley describes herself as the bridge between police and the community.

Foley works closely with the precinct’s captain, community affairs officer, crime prevention officers and sometimes the lieutenant of special operations to enhance partnership between residents and the police.

With help from the precinct and the community, Foley organizes a number of events and programs. Besides holding monthly meetings where community members can speak with police officials, the community council holds annual Halloween parties for children complete with a performance by a magician. The council also collects gifts for underprivileged kids during the holidays.

After Sandy struck last year, Foley and other community members traveled to Brighton Beach and the Rockaways along with 21 trucks sent by the 107th Precinct to assist those in need.

Background: Foley was the PTA president of P.S. 200 when her son attended. Since then, she has become more and more involved in her community.

“I started out, and every time there was a problem to work, on I got deeper into my community,” she said.

Foley has worked with the 107th Precinct for more than 20 years. She has been president for 11 years, and was councilmember for 10 years before that. Foley is also a member of Community Board 8 and serves on the board of her co-op.

Favorite Memory: Every year, many precincts in the city participate in the National Night Out Against Crime.

“We are number one in the city,” Foley boasted.

The 107th Precinct sees anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 people attend the event each year, which takes place on the first Tuesday of August.

At the event, parents can sign their children up for the NYPD’s Child ID Program. Kids can also participate in a flashlight-guided walk around the precinct, in which they are encouraged to look for crime.

“The real reason we do this is to bring the children into the station to interact with officers,” Foley explained.

Biggest Challenge: Foley said the biggest challenge that she faces is getting residents to communicate with the precinct.

“Any captain will tell you that they need the residents to tell the police what’s going on, or else they won’t ever know,” she said. “They have to get involved, they live here.”

Foley stressed that residents are the eyes and ears of the community and that their input is the police’s most valuable resource. She said while it is tough to encourage people to participate, things are improving in the 107th Precinct.

“We have it pretty good here compared to what other [community council] presidents tell me,” she said. “That’s the biggest challenge, but we’re doing a good job.”

Inspiration: Foley is committed to helping create the best community possible. She imagines leaving a better place for her children and grandchildren.

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