by Mike Schnitzel
Kirby was on hand to address law enforcement concerns for the precinct and to inform the gathering of professionals how to protect their homes and businesses.
Kirby said one of the biggest challenges police face is the public's reluctance to pick up the phone and give them a call. "We need you to help us help you," said Kirby. "The community is a constant, because the community always knows what is going on in the community."
Kirby, a former New York Police Department patrolman, said that the biggest difference between working in the city and the suburbs is the lack of calls here regarding crimes in progress.
"The best way for us to know what is going on is for you to call 911," said Kirby. "People are afraid to call police because they think [a suspicious incident] might be nothing, but it's easier for us to just check it out rather than having it become an incident."
He noted that some people may be hesistant to call 911 because they want to leave the line open for emergenices, but he said that because everything is now computerized, police calls have to go through 911 anyway.
While crime in the Fifth Precinct has decreased overall in the past 50 years, violent crime has been on the rise. The best way to protect yourself, according to Kirby, is to not make yourself a victim.
"Use common sense," said Kirby. "Don't walk alone in dark parks or put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation."
Pedestrians should stay on paths in Hendrickson Park and not stray into wooded areas, and business owners should have security cameras and recording devices, said Kirby.
In the past, residents have expressed concern about youth activities and possible gang affiliations in the area. Kirby said that while there are some known gang members who live in Valley Stream, there is very little actual gang activity in the community. According to Kirby, gang-related graffiti is one of the top indicators of gang activity in an area, and there is "very little of that in the Fifth Precinct."
People who have problem with area youths should call the police, said Kirby, but it is important for parents to keep an eye one their children.
"We ask you to monitor your own children because we can't do it," said Kirby. "We have good relationships with the schools and keep in close contact with the superintendents, but people need to account for their own children."
While police figures show a 70 percent ticket-writing increase over the last year, traffic continues to be a problem for Valley Stream residents. Kirby said that the best way to solve traffic problems is for the public to obey traffic laws.
"[Disobeying traffic laws] is a problem because we all do it," said Kirby. "If you make an effort to drive the speed limit and stop at all stop signs, it will help our community, the business district, and everybody in general."
Comments about this story? Mschnitzel@liherald.com or (516)569-4000 ext. 265.
