49th Precinct Council Meeting

49th Precinct Council Meeting

By Robert Press

Tuesday January 31st was the first meeting of the 49th Precinct Council for 2023. Along with the commanding officer of the 49th Precinct the commanding officer of Transit Division 12 was in attendance to speak about the two subway lines that run through the 49th Precinct. The meeting was held in the Morris Park Community Association.   

In going over the seven major crime categories, 49th Precinct commanding officer Captain Kentish said that there has been a rise in gang shootings, whereas the 49th Precinct had the second most of all twelve Bronx precincts. Robberies are up, car theft (GLA) is up, but that is due to people leaving their cars running. Overall crime however was flat in the 49th Precinct with Grand Larceny having the biggest drop. The December Cop of the Month was Police Officer Kelly Castulo, and the Civilian of the month was Helen DeLuise of Morris Park. 

Captain Ashraf of the Transit Police unit spoke on the two subway lines in the precinct saying that the #5 train has no real problems, but it is the #2 train that travels above White Plains Road where the crimes are being committed. He added that the 49th Precinct is assisting in placing officers at the #2 stations to help drive down the problems. 

After community reports of various abandoned cars, various problems with undesirables in different areas of the precinct, one report of a car driving in a bike lane, and thanks for coverage during religious events new 80th Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr. spoke. His comments included that he will be in the same office as his predecessor, what the state legislature is trying to do about smoke shops selling illegal cannabis, that Public Safety is very important to him, the introduction of his Chief of Staff who was with him, and an invitation to his inauguration March 4th in the Rotunda in Jacobi Hospital building #4 at 1PM with the doors opening at 12PM. 

Transit Division 12 Captain Ashraf talks about the two subway lines that run through the 49th Precinct.

December Cop of the month Police officer Castulo with Captain Kentish and Precinct Council President Joe Thompson.

Civilian of the month Helen DeLuise with Precinct Council President Joe Thompson and Captain Kentish.

New 80th Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr. addressed the audience, introduced his Chief of Staff, and invited all to his inauguration March 4th at Jacobi Hospital’s Rotunda in Building #4.