By COLlive reporter
New York City’s incoming police chief, Dermot Shea is meeting with Jewish community leaders as he introduces himself in his new role.
The new Chief, who has yet to begin his duties as the city’s top cop, was appointed by Mayor Bill De Blasio two weeks ago after Commissioner James O’Neill’s surprise resignation.
Chief Shea, who previously served as the city’s Chief of Detectives, has expressed an interest in meeting with the city’s Jewish communities to hear about the issues that concern them. The city has seen an alarming spike in verbal and violent anti-Semitic attacks against Jewish people and institutions in the city.
“As the newly appointed Police Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, I look forward to introducing myself to all of the community stakeholders, and sharing my vision for your community and this great city. I am very interested in hearing your concerns, and beginning the process of working together to better your community and this city,” Chief Shea wrote to community leaders in Crown Heights, Borough Park, Williamsburg, and other areas with large Jewish populations.
Devorah Halberstam, an honorary NYPD commissioner and founder of the Jewish Children’s Museum, is hosting the event at the Jewish Children’s Museum in Crown Heights.
Halberstam says that she trusts that Chief Shea’s plethora of experience in his many roles in law enforcement will enable him to address the recent uptick in hate crimes and antisemitism that has invaded our communities.
“He is an outstanding professional and a wonderful person with a great sense of humor,” Halberstam said. “I am proud to call him my friend. We look forward to our partnership in the days to come.”
Community news service COLlive.com is broadcasting the event live:
