LBPD to increase patrols at houses of worship

Recent threats lead to extra security measures

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The Long Beach Police Department is partnering with local religious institutions to increase patrol shifts during the upcoming holidays in reaction to recent threats around the country. The effort is focused on providing extra protection during times of high attendance at the houses of worship.

Police officers and clergy members are working together to create a database of holidays, including Passover and Easter, so that the Police Department can incorporate routine patrols around temples, shivas and churches that will serve as a visible deterrent to criminals and “reassure worshippers of all faiths that they are both welcome and protected in the city,” a spokesman for the city said. Police are also compiling a list of emergency contacts for clergy members.

“While we can breathe a sigh of relief that the Israeli-American suspect in the rash of threats against houses of worship in both the U.S. and Europe was arrested in Jerusalem, we will continue to engage with local religious institutions and remain ever vigilant against these kinds of incidents,” Police Commissioner Michael Tangney said in a news release. “As always, we remind citizens that if you see something, say something.”

In January, the Anti-Defamation League — a U.S.-based international Jewish organization that fights anti-Semitism — posted on its website that it had received reports of bomb threats at Jewish centers in 18 states. The agency issued a security advisory to Jewish institutions nationwide.

On Jan. 18, the Barry and Florence Friedberg Jewish Community Center in Oceanside was evacuated after it received a threatening phone call, according to a letter to members from Executive Director Joni Center. A bomb threat also called in to the Mid-Island Jewish Community Center in Plainview on Feb. 27.

Over the last two months, more than 100 unfounded threats have targeted 81 locations around the country, Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter said at a Feb. 28 news conference in Mineola.

“While it is unfortunate that such measures are necessary, I am very grateful to the staff and officers of the LBPD for implementing a swift and proactive response to better protect houses of worship in our community,” City Councilwoman Chumi Diamond said in a news release, “and I look forward to collaborating further with clergy and the police department to ensure additional measures are taken in the future.”

“We appreciate increased security during times of high attendance given today’s environment,” said Rabbi Jack Zanerhaft, of Temple Emanu-El. “More security is always better than less. It acts as a deterrent and provides a comfort level to our membership.”

“One of the advantages of being a city is that Long Beach has its own Police Department,” City Councilman Scott Mandel said in a statement. “The rapid and thorough response by the men and women of the LBPD should make clear that the city has zero tolerance for threats against religious institutions or any member of our community.”

The police are implementing a protocol of “regular irregular” patrols, Mandel told the Herald. “It’s an increase in random police presence,” he explained. “… [O]ur police know the area, they know the organizations, they know the members — it’s nice that we’re able to be proactive and have a customized response. Should anything happen, Long Beach is ready.”

Officers emphasized that the increased patrols aim to help patrons feel safer at their houses of worship. “We want everyone walking to church and walking to temple to see the police,” said Lt. Mark Stark. “It secures [patrons] when they see the police car driving up and down the block — they know that we’re nearby.”