Coming To NYPD: 'Precinct Greeters' Who Show Respect

New York City NY

30 September, 2021

11:56 AM

Description

NEW YORK CITY — The gruff cop is a cliché that many New Yorkers unfortunately know all-too-well. But a new NYPD program aims to switch surly desk sergeants with a different face — one that comes from communities that precincts serve. "Community guides," also known as precinct greeters, soon will help New Yorkers in need navigate the police system. "In November, every precinct will have a community guide and that will be the point of contact — and their sole reason for existing is to address everyone in a timely and courteous manner," said Juanita Holmes, the NYPD's chief of patrol. Holmes sat alongside Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday as he announced the community guide program — an effort that dovetails off a recently announced customer service push by the NYPD. De Blasio acknowledged he has heard stories for decades about New Yorkers who approach police and receive responses that were — in his words — weren't "respectful, often gruff and dismissive." "People really trying to work with the police, but feeling like they're being pushed away," he said. "Today's NYPD realizes that's a historic problem and must be addressed," he said. Holmes said the guides will be at precincts Mondays through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.