New Chief For 71st Precinct

By COLlive reporter

The New York Police Department has assigned a new Commanding Officer to the 71st Precinct, located in Central Brooklyn in the southern end of the Crown Heights neighborhood.

COLlive.com has learned that an announcement will be made this week of the appointment of Deputy Inspector George Fitzgibbon as the new precinct head.

He is coming from the 69th Precinct in Brooklyn, where he has won the praise of local clergy and community officials for “diligence, bravery, and for helping to keep Canarsie safe.”

VIDEO: Fitzgibbon introduces himself at the 69th

Fitzgibbon will be replacing Deputy Inspector John Lewis who has served in the post for a year and a half and will now be overseeing school safety in north and south Brooklyn areas.

Under Lewis, there was a 0.16% increase in overall crime in the 71st, home to 110,000 lower and middle income residents of 3 major ethnics – African American, Lubavitch Jews and Carribbean Americans.

According to records, crime has been up 13.50% in the last 2 years, yet that is compared to the major drop in crime in New York City in the last decades. In the 71st alone, crime is down 38% since 2001 and down 75% since 1993.

A major incident during Lewis’ tenure was the brutal beating of Ehud Halevi, 21, by two police officers on the holiday of Shmini Atzeres 5773. It was recorded by security surveillance at the Aliya Institute, where it happened.

When public outrage erupted, the soft-spoken Lewis responded honestly. He admitted there were “inconsistencies” in the aggressive officers’ statements and said “this conduct is not tolerated.”

In recent months, Lewis was working to put a stop to the series of burglaries of Jewish homes on Friday nights. Another ongoing challenge was the repeated incidents of snatching of iPhones and other electronic devices.

During his time as Captain, Lewis has had a warm and positive working relationship with the local Jewish community. He took an active role in understanding the specific needs of the Jewish residents, especially during holidays and special events.

Residents were appreciative to find him personally present and taking charge when problems occurred, and ready to listen. Not surprising for a man who says his mantra is “Never assume.”