From protests to package thefts to property damage to the four Phases of reopening, it’s been, to put it mildly, an unusually eventful summer. Throughout, at a time when accurate information was often as scarce as it was specific, Chelsea Community News has been providing straight-from-the-source Q&A sessions with the leader of our local NYPD precinct, to compensate for the loss of in-person gatherings at which local residents are encouraged to make statements or ask questions. Below is our most recent (via-email) Q&A with Deputy Inspector Kevin J. Coleman, Commanding Officer of the 10th Precinct. (Note: Other than changes made to align with  Chelsea Community News’ style quirks, all answers appear in full, exactly as received.)

Scott Stiffler, for Chelsea Community News (CCN): What concerns were brought up at the 10th Precinct’s Aug. 5 Build the Block meeting, and why should residents attend BTB meetings? (Note: CCN attended the Aug. 20 BTB Sector B meeting, and will soon publish reporter Winnie McCroy’s account of the event).

Deputy Inspector Kevin J. Coleman, Commanding Officer of the 10th Precinct: Quality of life issues were the focus of discussion. We recommend attending these meeting so that we can discuss local crime, conditions, and problems—as well as solutions. Many issues are far too nuanced to explain here, and are more appropriate to talk over in a discussion format, for each neighborhood and block are unique.

CCN: The Community Council returns from its summer hiatus next month. Will that be a public gathering, as with the August Build the Block meetings? Are there plans to make future BTB and Council meetings available to attend online?

DI COLEMAN | I’m pleased to announce that the 10th Precinct Community Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 30, at Manhattan Plaza [400W. 43rd St.]. Like our Build the Block meetings, face coverings will be required. If you don’t have a face covering, we will provide one. Seating will be spaced for social distancing, and we will conduct temperature screening for all attendees. In the mean time, we still have one Build the Block meeting remaining this month, for the Sector C area. That takes place on Thursday, August 27, 5:30pm, at River Place apartments [650 W. 42nd St.].

CCN: What are the latest crime statistics?

DI COLEMAN | As of August 9, the 10th Precinct index crime is down -10.2% for the year. For the past four weeks, we are down -8.3%. That’s not to say crime is not happening though. Our largest crime concerns right now are burglaries, car/motorcycle theft, bicycle theft, and package theft.

As always, the Police Officers of the 10th Precinct are always doing good work. Sergeant Kubic with officers Carratu, Caruso, Moss, Coghlan, Sullivan, Alvarado, Michel, Sweeney, and Melendez reponded to an assault where two people were slashed, rendered aid to the victims by applying tourniquets to the victims, and apprehended the suspect. Sergeant Deeb with officers Sullivan, Caruso, Moss, and Sweeney responded to an attempted gunpoint robbery, apprenhended the suspect, and recovered a BB gun from the suspect’s waistband without incident. And our 10th Precinct officers, along with officers from the 13th Precinct and Transit Special Operations, apprehended a bank robber after hitting two banks in Chelsea.

CCN: Theft of packages from building lobbies, and gained entrance from non-authorized individuals buzzed in by residents, continues to be a quality of life/crime concern in our area. What precautions should residents be taking to mitigate these occurrences?

DI COLEMAN | We recommend that residence do not buzz anyone in unless they know who they are letting into the building. Also, packages should be moved from the vestibule or lobby area so that they are out of line of sight from the front door. If one can see the packages from the front door, a would-be thief is more likely to attempt at get into the building. If one cannot see any packages they are likely to move on. We recommend that superintendents or other building caretakers ensure that delivered packages are secured or moved so that they are not in line of sight of the door.

CCN: Should similar incidents such as the May 31-June 2 lootings happen again, how will this experience inform the 10th Precinct’s actions—during, and after? To what extent are you beholden to NYPD allocations of your manpower and resources, in such situations? What are your takeaways from post-looting engagement with residents, merchants, electeds, and other community stakeholders?

DI COLEMAN: I’m very proud of how 10th Precinct officers responded during those challenging times. For the first few weeks of June, everyone assigned to the 10th Precinct worked 12+ hours each day, without taking any days off. To add perspective, there were different groups of looters all over lower Manhattan, some 10, 20 or 50+ strong in numbers. If a group of 20 individuals are looting a store, we can’t send a 2-person sector team to deal with the situation alone—it’s extremely dangerous. As a result, we organized response teams of 8 or more officers. Furthermore, it was absolutely imperative that we protect the precinct block and department property (such as vehicles).

Although the demonstrators were peaceful, and the NYPD always respects everyone’s First Amendment rights, some individuals used the protests as vehicles for violence against police officers and police property. Over 200 police vehicles have been vandalized or destroyed. Sercuring the precinct block allowed us to respond in the most effective manner. As with all large scale events, some 10th Precinct officers were deployed outside the precinct, but we also had mobile field forces of officers from other precincts deployed in the 10th Precinct.

I can assure everyone within the confines of the 10th Precinct that we will always do our best to protect life and property. Regardless of challenges, we will always strive to do our best to protect New York City.

CCN: How has adherence to social distancing been throughout your coverage area—overall, and specific to restaurants that offer sidewalk and curbside dining?

DI COLEMAN: Overall, most New Yorkers, including businesses, have been in compliance with the executive orders. We’d like to thank everyone for their continued support and compliance. Please stay safe and healthy.

CCN: Please talk about anything of note we haven’t covered.

DI COLEMAN: The 10th Precinct offers heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of 10th Precinct Police Officer Paul Kennedy, who suddenly passed away. A devoted NYPD police officer, Paul and his service to the City of New York will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace, Paul.

The 10th Precinct serves Chelsea, Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen South, and the Hudson Yards neighborhoods. At Build the Block meetings, Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCOs) speak with the public about neighborhood crime and safety concerns. Chelsea-area sectors A, B, and C, he said, are, respectively, 14th to 21st St., 21st to 29th St., and 29th to 43rd St. For info, click here. The 10th Precinct’s Community Affairs Office can be reached at 212-741-8226. The precinct’s main number is 212-741-8211. On Twitter: ‪@NYPD10Pct. On Facebook: www.facebook.com/NYPD10PCT. For access to NYPD crime statistics particular to the 10th Precinct, click here.

From the Archives, Articles of Relevance

[to access, click on headline]

July 21, 2020: With Build the Block Meetings Set to Begin Again, Chelsea’s Precinct Leader Implores Locals to Attend

June 12, 2020: 10th Precinct Responds to Chelsea Looting Non-Responsiveness

May 28, 2020: Mask Distribution, Graffiti Mitigation Among 10th Precinct’s COVID-Era Efforts

April 29, 2020: 10th Precinct Leader Notes Pandemic’s Impact on Protocols, Public Safety, and Crime Stats

March 30, 2020: Q&A with Deputy Inspector Kevin J. Coleman, Commanding Officer of the 10th Precinct

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