By: TJVNews.com

The Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO) continues its dedicated mission of fostering community safety and strong intergroup relations. Yesterday, November 13, 2025, COJO successfully convened its essential Fall 2025 Security Meeting, hosted at the headquarters of Patrol Borough Staten Island in Grasmere.

A Focus on Partnership and Proactive Policing

The meeting was meticulously organized by Captain Jim Palaj, Commanding Officer of the 121st Precinct, and featured a comprehensive lineup of key NYPD personnel, including representatives from the newly established Quality of Life Unit and the specialized Strategic Response Group (SRG).

Captain Palaj detailed recent significant police achievements and underscored the NYPD’s appreciation for COJO’s unique and vital function on the island. He lauded COJO’s role as the borough’s crucial coordinating agency, emphasizing its effectiveness in:

Convening major community stakeholders.

Building bridges between diverse communities.

Cultivating increased confidence in the NYPD.

Enhancing trust and improving communication channels between law enforcement and the residents it serves.

Boosting Quality of Life Through Targeted Action

A key component of the discussion centered on the efforts of the new Quality of Life Unit and how community partnership can tangibly improve the daily experience of Staten Islanders. Examples of focused work to boost the quality of life include:

Addressing Local Disorder: Tackling visible signs of disorder such as illegal dumping, excessive noise complaints in residential areas, and addressing public intoxication or open drug use which can impact the sense of safety and cleanliness.

Targeting Traffic & Parking Issues: Enforcing hazardous driving violations and resolving persistent problems like double-parking or blocking fire hydrants/crosswalks that create pedestrian safety hazards and neighborhood frustration.

Community Clean-Up Initiatives: Working with COJO and local groups to organize and support neighborhood clean-up events to remove litter, clean graffiti, and maintain public spaces, transforming neglected areas into welcoming environments.

Graffiti Removal Programs: Rapidly identifying and removing graffiti to prevent its spread and signal that the community is actively maintained and cared for.

These focused actions, undertaken in collaboration with COJO and neighborhood partners, are critical for maintaining a stable, vibrant, and welcoming environment for all residents.

COJO Commends NYPD’s Protective Measures

During the meeting, COJO President Mendy Mirocznik extended his sincere appreciation to Captain Palaj and his entire team.

Mirocznik specifically thanked the NYPD for their effective policing and security efforts over the recent High Holiday period. “The high level of professionalism and vigilance displayed by Captain Palaj and the NYPD truly enhanced the celebratory and solemn period of the Days of Awe for our community,” stated Mirocznik. “Their proactive presence allowed our residents to observe the holidays with peace of mind and focus on their traditions, which is a testament to the strong partnership we share.”

Furthermore, Mirocznik expressed how appreciative COJO is for the Strategic Response Group (SRG). He noted that the SRG’s rapid deployment and robust presence were instrumental in keeping the public at ease when threats and incidents arose, ensuring that safety was in place and people felt protected throughout the borough.

Recognizing Community Leadership

A special note of gratitude was extended by Captain Palaj to COJO’s leadership, specifically recognizing Mendy Mirocznik, and his team for their commitment and invaluable work in maintaining a secure and cohesive Staten Island.

This successful gathering reaffirms the enduring commitment of COJO and the NYPD to work collaboratively to ensure the safety and well-being of all Staten Islanders