Last Tuesday, I crisscrossed Queens for the 42nd National Night Out Against Crime, an annual community-building campaign that strengthens police-community partnerships. Citywide, agency commissioners joined precincts across all five boroughs to honor community councils and commanding officers for their commitment to public safety. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz summed it up perfectly: “National Night Out was a huge success once again! Members of my office staffed every #NNO location across the borough.”
At Victory Field in Forest Park, the 102nd Precinct, under Capt. Pratima Maldonado, transformed the space into a civic living room: safety booths, kids’ activities, music, and plenty of community connections. The crowd welcomed a strong roster of leaders, including NYC Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola, Council Member Lynn Schulman, Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar, and mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa.
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., who visited multiple precincts in his district – including the 102, 104, 106, and 112 – presented a citation to Community Affairs Officer Scott Adelman in honor of his retirement. Addabbo visited with Rabbi Daniel Pollack, the precinct’s Jewish liaison, and community leader Aaron Cyperstein of Met Council, noting, “National Night Out is a vital opportunity to recognize and thank our dedicated police officers who work tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe. It’s equally important to build trust and camaraderie within our communities, and these events provide a wonderful platform to do just that.”
At the 107th Precinct’s celebration at the Electchester Shopping Center plaza, the atmosphere felt like a true block party: music, community tables, and neighbors talking across every aisle. Commanding Officer Captain Mo Tsang received a mayoral citation, recognizing the precinct’s leadership in fighting crime and keeping the community safe.
Assembly Member Sam Berger joined the festivities that included a special Community Award presentation to his Chief of Staff Ricky Malone.
Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov, the precinct’s clergy liaison, greeted attendees warmly, as hundreds of kosher pastries were passed out courtesy of Kew Gardens Hills Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee Scott Campbell, who teamed up with Rabbi Daniel Pollack to provide the offerings to the 107 and Kew Gardens programs.
Captain Tsang had more than celebration on his mind: He recently told Community Board 8 that crime in the last 28 days had dropped by nearly 19.5% (103 incidents versus 128 last year), with year-to-date numbers also down (624 versus 695). However, he cautioned that auto theft remains sharply up - 64.5% - and elderly scams are on the rise, urging residents to be wary of unsolicited calls from the IRS, banks, lawyers, or other unknown sources.
MacDonald Park in Forest Hills was alive with music, games, and conversation for the 112th Precinct’s gathering. Senator Addabbo, a regular at this event, greeted the Shmira Public Safety Patrol – which he helps fund – spoke with Community Board 6 Chairwoman Heather Beers-Dimitriadis, and shook hands with veterans from the Forest Hills American Legion Continental Post 1424. He received an award from the 112th Precinct Community Council. Council Member Lynn Schulman joined in, echoing praise for the precinct’s strong neighborhood ties.
Though my night stayed in Queens, the spirit of NNO resonated across the city. On Staten Island, Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik of COJO reflected, “The coming together of Mayor Eric Adams, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, and the community demonstrates a strong and vibrant Staten Island united with trust, love, hope, and optimism.” Over in Brooklyn, Attorney General Letitia James joined celebrations at Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, speaking about the importance of creating safe public spaces where residents can gather and enjoy their neighborhoods.
Earlier in the evening, I visited Bowne Playground in Flushing, where the 109th Precinct’s National Night Out drew the whole neighborhood. Children rode a carousel or hopped onto mythical beasts brought to life by costumed handlers. A DJ kept the music going, pizza boxes emptied fast, Boy Scouts from Troop 255 pitched in wherever needed, and community organizations like the Korean American Family Service Center and Charles B. Wang Community Health Center offered resources. It was a reminder that, from the first stop to the last, the heart of National Night Out is neighbors coming together.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
