By MIKE CAPUTO
Since the police recently boasted patrols in Veteran's Memorial Park, 20 major park-related arrests have been made.
"We will not let Veteran's Park be taken over and be destroyed, said Inspector John Capece, commanding officer of the First Precinct. "We will not let the vice of elements go in there [and] we will not let drug dealers flourish there."
The increased patrols resulted from several complaints from area residents who have reported sightings of drug deals and foul play in the park, especially during the nighttime hours. One of those incidents involved a memorial statue, which was recently knocked over and destroyed.
Of the 20 arrests, Capece said four of them were robberies, four were assaults and the rest were related to drugs and alcohol. Although one of the incidents involved a knife, none of the arrests involved guns, the inspector said.
"That park is for the residents and I am committed to making the park as safe as I can," said Capece, who added that their is also an additional presence at nearby Speno Park. "We will be there and we will continue to be there."
After discussing the increased police presence at local parks, Capece addressed drugs, which he says continues to be a problem not only in East Meadow, but across Nassau County.
"Some young adults in this community don't understand their culture, don't understand what it is all about," Capece said. "They are taking drugs and not understanding the ramifications and how serious it is."
According to Capece, marijuana is the most prevalent drug in Nassau. That is followed by crack cocaine, cocaine and pain killers. The inspector noted that there has been a dramatic increase in heroin usage.
Stacy Blanche, a representative from the Nassau County District Attorney's office, pointed out that users of heroin and other drugs are not always what they are perceived to be.
"Get that imagination out of your head of what you imagine someone taking heroin looks like," Blanche said. "They are our high school students, they are our kids in our communities growing up and they look just like normal kids except that they are now trying heroin and are getting addicted to it. "
The presenters encouraged parents to educate their children and residents to keep an eye out and to immediately report suspicious drug activities in their neighborhoods. Capece, Blanche, several officers and inspectors from the area precincts later talked about the social host law, bullying, traffic issues and addressed questions and concerns from the audience.
Leg. Norma Gonsalves (R-East Meadow) invites police officials twice a year for the community forum. About 75 residents attended Monday's forum.
"The people look forward to this meeting," Gonsalves said. "I do it twice a year because there are always issues and I think the community needs to be updated on what is going on. It is their community and they do have legitimate concerns."
Comments about this story? MCaputo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 287.
Photos by Mike Caputo/Herald
