The 104th Precinct G-COP held a meeting on Thursday, April 9 at The Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale.
Photo courtesy of NYPD 104th Precinct on Facebook
The 104th Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol (G-COP) held its general membership meeting on Thursday, April 9, at The Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale, where President Elizabeth Delacruz and Secretary Ronnie Roth welcomed newly inducted Commanding Officer Joshua Rios and his staff. As the meeting progressed, Delacruz called on elected officials to resolve the radio encryption issue so G-COP can continue preserving public safety.
To start the meeting, Rios offered gratitude for his role as the NYPD 104th Precinct Commanding Officer. He was also its executive officer, attending “as many meetings” as he could during his former tenure.
Rios stated that he will become more involved in hearing directly from constituents. He plans to work alongside the G-COP to elevate neighborhood protection. He also noted the importance of a civilian patrol unit in one’s neighborhood. The Commanding Officer recalled a recent incident of package theft at his neighbor’s home in Seaford, Long Island — the recollection was to emphasize how community policing is paramount to maintaining quality of life.
After a constituent raised a question regarding the radio encryption, as first reported by QNS in January, Rios acknowledged that it has hindered the 104th Precinct G-COP in its patrolling duties. He stated that paperwork had been submitted and remained “in the process of getting approved.”
A portrait of NYPD 104th Precinct Commanding Officer Joshua Rios. Photo via Joann Ariola on Instagram
A Special Request From President Elizabeth Delacruz
Later in the meeting, Delacruz asked the representatives from the offices of State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar and Assembly Member Steven Raga to relay a special request to the elected officials regarding the 104th Precinct G-COP.
Delacruz calls on officials to restore radio access to better assist with patrolling duties. Presently, the G-COP cannot monitor updates in real time, causing safety concerns for the volunteer officers.
“We do it out of the goodness of our [hearts]. Because we want to keep our neighborhood safe. We want to continue having the quality of life, or even make it better, for our children, ourselves,” said Delacruz. “And if we are not out there, we cannot help.”
“If there’s anything that can harm us, I, as the President, will not, and I repeat, I will not expose any of our members to encounter danger, no matter what,” added Delacruz.
Public Safety Rundown
A rundown was subsequently presented that concerned criminal statistics. There has been an increase in auto theft, particularly in the neighborhoods of Middle Village and Maspeth. For those interested in receiving a catalytic converter kit, Maspeth Federal Savings will host a distribution event on Saturday, April 18, at 12 noon in the parking lot to help prevent theft through etching.
An increase in scams, or fraudulent phone calls, has also been noted in grand larceny cases. On this note, there was a reminder to ignore unknown phone calls, as people have reportedly “lost their life savings” by answering them.
Continuing with the statistics, check washing has also been noted as an ongoing issue. Check washing is an act of fraud where stolen checks are chemically altered to erase the payee names and amounts, allowing perpetrators to steal funds. The report suggests that constituents use retractable gel pens to prevent ink from being smeared or altered in any way — and to deliver checks inside the post office to discourage potential mail theft.
Overall, the 104th Precinct G-COP advises to be aware of one’s surroundings and remain vigilant for any suspicious characters (e.g., cyclists wearing masks) who approach vulnerable individuals (e.g., older adults, residents enjoying outdoor activities). The perpetrators are said to typically have SUVs with out-of-state plates.
Two Memorial Day parades have also been mentioned — the 39th Annual Maspeth Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 24 at 1 p.m. and the 89th Annual Ridgewood and Glendale Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25 at 11 a.m. The Santísimo Crucifijo, or also known as the Día de la Cruz (“The Day of the Cross”), will also be observed on Sunday, May 3.
Community Updates from Elected Officials
Eva Grech, the Community Liaison from the Office of State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., confirmed that Addabbo is working on lowering auto insurance premiums, as reported by QNS in the latest Queens Community Board 5 meeting.
Grech further announced several events, including the Spring Paper Shredding event on Sunday, April 12, at the Forest Park Bandshell from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and a Drug Take Back event on Thursday, April 16, at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Rita Gocool, the Community Liaison from the District Office of Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar, announced the Forest Park Drive repaving that commenced on Wednesday, April 8. Gocool confirmed that Rajkumar has been “in direct dialogue with DOT [The Department of Transportation] Commissioner Michael Flynn” regarding the potholes.
Gocool reminded constituents of the Financial Literacy Workshop at Ridgewood Savings Bank on Thursday, April 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rajkumar is also working on legislation, entitled Penny’s Law — a law that would punish negligent dog owners — and Priscilla’s Law — a law that would require registration of all e-bikes, e-scooters, and other electric-run vehicles with the DOT. The legislation is in addition to another proposed measure that would create a state fund to ensure immigrant communities receive a business orator visa.
A representative from the District Office of Assembly Member Steven Raga announced the following events: The Third Annual Earth Day of Action on Saturday, April 25, at 72-02 Woodside Ave. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and an event on Tuesday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for immigration-related concerns (e.g., questions for an immigration non-profit).
The 104th Precinct G-COP elections will be held in June, Delacruz confirmed. Roth also stated that emails will be sent to board members to indicate whether they would like to be considered for various positions, including the President seat — currently occupied by Delacruz.
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