A neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its violence is attempting to tackle crime by keeping uniformed police officers away. The Post has learned that NYPD officials recently designated a portion of Brownsville, part of the 73rd Precinct, as a “police exclusion zone” as part of an initiative funded by the city called the Brownsville Safety Alliance.
Initially, this program was only run twice a year, but it’s now ramped up to four times a year. Zoran Mamdani, a leading mayoral candidate who supports the initiative, has received praise from those involved. Dushawn Almond, the program director for Violence Out Brownsville, mentioned that Mamdani visited during one of the program’s operations last April.
The community group will take over handling minor crimes, while police will still respond to serious incidents like stabbings and shootings. This temporary zone will be active from October 7 to October 11 on Mother Gaston Boulevard between Sutter and Pitkin streets.
However, not everyone in the NYPD was impressed. One official expressed skepticism regarding the plan, suggesting it could lead to chaos. They pointed out that the new approach, especially from someone like Mamdani, feels risky. Critics argue it’s unorthodox to keep police out of areas with rising crime.
The Brownsville Safety Alliance, established in 2020 under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, consists of around 20 community members who patrol the designated streets and respond to lower-priority 911 calls. Police will still have uniformed officers stationed nearby for emergencies.
A flyer circulating in the area clearly stated that uniformed officers were not permitted unless responding to emergencies. This flyer was deemed unauthorized by the NYPD and subsequently removed, but it sparked conversations about the community’s desire for a different policing model.
Almond insisted that the organization is stepping in where uniformed officers typically would, managing low-level calls while police remain on standby. Community members are encouraged to connect with service providers for various local issues during these BSA events.
In fact, Almond shared that this month’s initiative was quite calm and uneventful, stating that there were no major incidents, which he considered a positive outcome. BSA is backed by CAMBA, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that has received substantial funding since its inception, although it’s unclear how much of that has supported this particular initiative.
Most residents expressed satisfaction with the community-led efforts, although many still felt police presence was necessary for serious crime issues. For instance, a hardware store employee named Jose felt the BSA’s approach was effective because it fosters communication. Conversely, some incidents of violence, like a recent fight with teenagers, still required a police response.
Jamixa Alvarez, a local store worker, appreciated the community initiative but remained concerned about long-term crime solutions, emphasizing the continuing need for police support. The origins of the BSA can be traced back to former police chief Lt. Terrell Anderson, who has faced scrutiny over past actions.
Although the area has seen decreases in certain violent crime rates this year, reports show that robberies and certain assaults are on the rise. A former NYPD superintendent commented on the difficulty of instilling a sense of safety without police presence, especially in a historically dangerous neighborhood.
The BSA plan has garnered criticism from mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, who labeled it a “reckless experiment.” He argues community groups should collaborate with the NYPD rather than exclude them altogether, contrasting it with Mamdani’s strategy. A veteran Bronx police officer added that the political decisions made now may lead to consequences they will later regret.
