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By: Arnold Rothstein
A new NYPD crime-fighting initiative in northeast Queens is bringing dozens of additional officers to the area, and locals are welcoming the effort with enthusiasm.
The 109th Precinct, which oversees neighborhoods like Flushing, Whitestone, and College Point, has established a satellite precinct staffed by 66 officers to address longstanding complaints about emergency response times and rising quality-of-life issues, the New York Post reports.
Sheryl Kleven, chair of directors for the Better College Point Civic Association, told the Post the move was overdue, particularly with Flushing’s rapid expansion straining local police resources.
“What’s suffered mostly over the last few years is the quality-of-life issues,” Kleven said. “The majority [of residents] are very happy and very encouraged by the fact that the satellite precinct is actually happening for us. It’s been a long time coming.”
Paul Morales, 26, a Malba resident, welcomed the change, citing recent thefts from his home. “Better safe than sorry,” he said.
Another resident, Danny, observed an uptick in daytime crimes. “It just gets worse and worse,” he said, noting that crime is now occurring in areas once considered safe.
The new satellite precinct operates out of the NYPD Police Academy in College Point and focuses on neighborhoods like Beechhurst, Whitestone, and Bay Terrace.
According to Queens City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino, the expanded patrols aim to curb issues such as shoplifting, car break-ins, illegal car meet-ups, and drag racing.
“Areas such as College Point, Whitestone, and Bay Terrace have experienced a lack of consistent police presence, not due to any failure on the part of the Police Department but rather because of the precinct’s overwhelming workload and understaffing,” Paladino said in a statement.
The satellite precinct will also deploy new patrol cars to foster closer engagement with residents and address quality-of-life concerns more effectively, Paladino’s office confirmed to the Post.
Mayor Eric Adams praised the initiative, saying, “This launch isn’t just about response times; it’s about reinforcing our commitment to safety in every corner of Queens. With these additional 66 officers, we’re not only improving response times but showing that when the community speaks, we act.”
Despite NYPD data showing a decline in major crimes in the 109th Precinct—including a 7.7% drop in robberies, a 22.9% reduction in burglaries, and no shootings reported in 2024—residents remain skeptical.
“Parking issues, illegal plates, noise complaints, all of those additional quality-of-life issues are because the lack of [NYPD] staffing really hurt our area,” Kleven said.
Local therapist Brianna Marrero, 22, expressed hope that the satellite precinct would lead to lasting improvements. “I’ve been living here since I was a little girl, and I’ve seen it completely change,” she told the Post, citing newer concerns like drug activity and prostitution.
Some residents, like retired NYPD officer Maryanne Keiling, are concerned that the Police Academy location may not significantly improve response times.
“Where the academy is, for them to come through here, it’s not going to happen that quick,” Keiling said. “Maybe [response times] would get a little bit better, but not by much.”
The current setup is temporary, and Kleven hopes for a permanent precinct closer to the community. “If we need to get police reports … we still have to go into Flushing,” she said. “We’re hoping at some point, when the satellite precinct is permanently housed in the area, it will be a more local brick-and-mortar presence.”
