109 precinct

Police ask for help after Flushing break-in

Dan Rose

Police_Lights
The 109th Precinct is asking for the public’s help in identifying suspects wanted for a Flushing break-in and robbery.

The robbery occurred on Friday, Oct. 9 around 1 a.m. with a 23-year-old man, 25-year-old woman, 27-year-old woman and 30-year-old woman all present at the home. The victims were tied up by a couple of suspects after they forced their way into the private home with hand guns and stun guns.

The suspects stole an undetermined amount of money, electronic equipment and cell phones. No one was seriously injured.

Although the police have yet to release a description of the perps, they hope that the public can help with any tips or IDs. Anyone with information can call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at nypdcrimestoppers.com.

NYPD program in 109 Pct. wins Best of NY award

Dan Rose
Twitter/ZachTumin
Twitter/ZachTumin

During the 2015 New York Digital Government Summit in Albany, a NYPD pilot program that began in the 109th Precinct received a “Best of New York” award from the Center for Digital Government.

The program was honored with the trophy for “Most Innovative Use of Social Media/Citizen Engagement.” The Precinct worked along with IdeaScale, a crowdsourcing platform, to crowdsource the quality-of-life agenda in the community. Through the platform, residents can bring up issues facing their community, which is then ranked based upon the amount of user contribution, comments and votes.

The program has helped the NYPD identify issues that would have otherwise been unknown. In turn, the precinct has been able to provide sufficient solutions.

“Social breaks down the barriers. The New York Police Department has had many, many issues over the past several years. We’re keenly aware of them,” said Zachary Tumin, NYPD deputy commissioner, Strategic Initiatives, to Warc.com. “Our job here is to help build trust and restore confidence in police and policing.”

The NYPD also won the award for “Best Application Serving the Public.” Through their Emergency Service Unity Mobile Computer Assisted Dispatch, first responders can receive emergency information in real-time, saving time and lives for those in need.