NYPD Boosts Security Across Crown Heights for Tishrei
The NYPD will deploy an increased police presence throughout Crown Heights during Rosh Hashanah and the upcoming Tishrei holidays, part of a security plan led by the 71st Precinct newly appointed commanding officer Deputy Inspector John DeSaro.
by COLlive Editor · COLliveBy COLlive reporter
The NYPD will deploy an increased police presence throughout Crown Heights during Rosh Hashanah and the upcoming Tishrei holidays, with officers stationed around the clock near shuls and along the neighborhood’s busiest Jewish corridors.
Deputy Inspector John DeSaro, the newly appointed commanding officer of the 71st Precinct who is leading the security operation, said additional officers will visit Shuls throughout Rosh Hashanah, while foot posts will be established along major thoroughfares, including Kingston Avenue and Albany Avenue.
Specialized patrols from the NYPD’s Counterterrorism Bureau will also operate in the neighborhood as part of the security plan.
Devorah Halberstam, NYPD Honorary Commissioner, worked with the NYPD to ensure that a security plan was in place for the entire month, during which thousands visit the Crown Heights neighborhood from around the world.
A similar deployment will be implemented for Yom Kippur. An even larger police presence is expected during Kaparos due to the significant number of residents and visitors gathering in the streets.
Police will maintain a strong presence during Sukkos and Simchas Torah, including at the nightly Simchas Beis Hashoeva celebrations on Kingston Avenue.
The 71st Precinct is also warning that unauthorized vending will not be permitted during Simchas Beis Hashoeva. The policy follows meetings between police, event organizers and community rabbonim.
“Vending brings an element of disorder and attracts an unwanted element to Simchas Beis Hashoeva,” Sergeant Mike Baratta of the NYPD 71st Precinct told COLlive.com.
Under the strong recommendation of the 71st Precinct, organizers are asking that no vendors set up during the celebrations. Police said the restriction will be enforced and that merchandise belonging to unauthorized vendors will be confiscated.
DeSaro brings extensive familiarity with Crown Heights to his new role. He began his NYPD career in the neighborhood as a young officer assigned to Operation Impact after graduating from the Police Academy. During that time, he served on foot posts along Kingston Avenue, Utica Avenue and Flatbush Avenue.
He later returned to the 71st Precinct as its executive officer, serving under then-commanding officer Inspector Joseph Hayward in 2022 and 2023. In that role, DeSaro worked closely on security arrangements for Simchas Beis Hashoeva and other major Jewish community events.
He subsequently became commanding officer of Brooklyn’s 68th Precinct before returning to Crown Heights to lead the 71st Precinct.
DeSaro said he is excited to return to the precinct where he began his career and to once again work closely with the Crown Heights community.
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