Police Department Deputy Inspector James T. O'Brien met residents at PS/IS 217 on Monday, May 31, to address concerns in the community. Despite publicity, the gathering was sparsely attended.

O'Brien told his audience that, year-to-date, the Island has had eleven major crimes, which include murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny burglary, and grand larceny-burglary auto. These are the FBI statistics. No other specific statistics are kept by the NYPD, other than the number of 911 calls directed to each precinct.

O'Brien urged that residents call 911 to report incidents, so that statistics will be tracked properly. Unlike Public Safety, the NYPD system provides 911 with the originating location of every call, which can be critical information in an emergency.

Based on statistics, the precinct beefs up patrols where necessary.

Residents attending the meeting reported they all had observed drug usage and deals, public drunkenness, loitering, and loud music.

There is information about the 114th Precinct on the NYPD's website, at www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/nypd/html/pct/phn114.html. Some key phone numbers - all 718 area code - are:

Precinct:     626-9311
Domestic Violence:     626-9316
Youth Officer:     626-9337
Crime Prevention:     626-9324
Detectives:     626-9334

Community Relations Officer Dwayne L. Palmer can be reached at 718-626-9327.