By Mica Soffer – Publisher, COLlive
Captain John J. Lewis is the new kid on the Crown Heights block; except for the fact that he is not new, and he’s already been on the block.
The new Commanding Officer of the 71st Precinct of the NYPD has been married for 29 years, has 4 children and is a grandfather of 3, yet is entering his new role with much enthusiasm and sense of service.
It was actually in Crown Heights – the area he now oversees – and other areas of Central Brooklyn, that he did his field training in unit 12 after graduating the Police Academy in 1988.
In an exclusive interview with COLlive.com this week, he speaks about his memories, what it’s like to be back and his plans for keeping the peace in the community.
Welcome to the neighborhood. It seems like criminals were greeting you as well…
We’ve had a rough couple of weeks but I believe when we have a problem we have to knock it out right away and make everyone feel safe.
So what is your game plan?
Basically we’re working to flood the area, so the police presence is very noticeable.
We reported that you got extra back up to deal with the latest incidents…
That’s correct. We also deployed extra patrols from other precincts to patrol Kingston from Eastern Parkway all the way to Winthrop Street and we also have a command post at 770. There’s an emergency response vehicle near the Yeshiva school on Albany (and Crown) to reassure the community and make sure the bad guys stay away.
We also have extra coverage at Darchei Menachem at dismissal time, and afterwards they go to Lefferts Park to add in coverage over there. During late afternoon and early evening we have patrols on Brooklyn, Albany and Kingston Avenues to add to the security.
Any results?
The good thing is we’ve made a number of arrests in these muggings, and we are following it up with the District Attorney.
Are these incidents primarily directed at Jews?
No. The incidents of cell phone snatching, for example, have been happening prior to my arrival, in other areas nearby as well. They now are happening also in the Jewish area and we’ve had several robberies as well.
Do you think the 1991 riots is something that can be repeated?
I don’t think it will happen again, but I do think its important to remember it. If we don’t address problems they can blow up out of proportion. We have to address the little problems as well before they become big problems.
I do think we are past that, though. Still, we continue to have events to bring the community together. Devorah Halberstam is making events to bring people together and there are key stakeholders in both communities who we have to be in touch with.
Overall, is crime up or down?
It’s hard to compare because each place has different demographics, people, and size. What I will say is that we are down compared to last year and credit is due to Inspector Peter Simonetti who did a very nice job getting crime down.
Have you met with the Jewish civilian patrol groups?
I’ve met with the Shmira – C.O.P. (Civilian Observation Patrol) and have met some of the members of Shomrim out on the field – we have friends in common.
What do you think about these groups?
We can use all the help we can get. With the limited resources that are available in this day and age, there is a real need as we are left to do more with less. A lot of these guys are very concerned about the community and its needs. Sometimes I will take them up on their advice and sometimes not.
How were your meetings with the local community leaders?
Everybody, all segments of the Crown Heights community, have made me feel nothing but welcome – especially the Jewish community. They have given me the genuine feeling that they are happy to have me. The greetings are very genuine and very heartfelt.
What do you remember of Crown Heights from your past assignments?
It was a much different place back then… I knew about the Rebbe and I remember seeing the long lines of people. The other cops explained to me it was for “Rebbe dollars” and the significance of them.
What issues were being dealt with then?
Back then – I was transferred out but then when promoted to Sergeant was sent back here – there were a lot of problems with night clubs and illegal social clubs and I gained a lot of experience in shutting them down.
And today?
I have a lot to learn still. I have a lot of good friends who are familiar with the community here, I am good friends with Chief Joseph Fox who is my mentor and Lieutenant John Cantwell and Bobby Troice. What I did learn already is that the people here expect you to work hard and address the issues. They will expect results and want to feel safe. If you do that, they will embrace you.
What is your mantra?
Never assume. We need to talk to the people to see what the needs are. That’s always been my whole philosophy: Find out what the problems are, and once we do, it’s incumbent on us as the NYPD to come up with the solutions.
To conclude, are you glad to be here?
I’m happy to be here. I know that it’s a challenging assignment and I hope that I can live up to it and do a good job.
Good luck to him, and to us all in Crown Hts.
I hope he will be successful but as a Crown Hts resident I fully echo #6’s comments. Shomrim is generally the first call I will make, the cops generally despise us and are rude, disrespectful, and unresponsive, and it does not feel safe.
From what I understand (which might be limited and that’s why I was asking what the roll of Shmira or Shomrim are) these groups came about after the Crown Heights riots, when the police did not respond to cries of help from Jews. I was crying for help because I was scared and not only could I not reach the police, but my own ignored my cries and when they finally came did not help. Yes, I could just not use these volunteer groups, but I do not think that’s the answer. If they ignored my cries for help, than… Read more »
And thank you for keeping us safe.
ok, there is potential here. He needs to have a very aggressive plan of attack. Something like Guiliani. The crime went down here when Guiliani was here, he was amazing. So Captain John J Lewis, I wish you the best, for you, and for Crown Heights. This could make alot of difference, he could really make a great change here for the better. But he has to face the gangs, and the indigent problem, etc.
I wish Captain John J. Lewis well. I’m sure he’s concerned and capable.
Such talented people should be working in a real business…not a scavenger business.
The criminal justice system picks up the pieces (They helped create because of weak laws) and profits.
Dear # 22, what a story…sorry for you pain and anxiety. Did you call 911 or the precinct? Overall, is crime up or down? This cannot be known anywhere in the city. I know two Jewish women who were victims of crime and they were afraid to report the crime…they were threatened with death. The whole criminal justice system is corrupt. A civilized society should have a ‘Zero Tolerance for Crime’ and America DOES NOT! Crime is BIG BUSINESS in America. The criminal justice systems prospers and we suffer. Price of crime in America? http://www2.davidson.edu/news/news_archives/archives99/9910_anderson.html ‘The 7 Noahide Laws’ for… Read more »
when will you guys stop all this silly fighting, and start focusing on the community instead of fighting with each other. just because vega is out and simonneti didn’t kiss up to you, doesn’t mean that the new chief is not a good guy.
wow, very impressed. Seems like he really cares about the community and wants to do a good job.
I dont get why you are complaining, both shmira and shomrim are volunteers groups, after all. you cant complain if one time they were’nt available. and they did telll you to call the police. why is it there fault if the police didn’t answer. I find it hard to believe that you called 911 and no one answered. and what do you mean the bus driver got into your car? what the heck is that? the whole story sounds funny to me,….
OK I am open minded and willing to trust at arms length the new commander, but I really think the problems are deeper then the local precinct, it’s the DA and courts that need a major fixing. It seems that all across america the order of the day is to go after the Baltimore Shomrim and George Zimmerman types, while ignoring the daily shooting and muggings of men women and children of all ages at all times of the day. If the media wouldn’t be so left wing slanted we might have already seen change but until then I guess… Read more »
Even if there are extra cops on the street I am still afraid when hundreds of kids come running at me after 3:00 when they are let out of school.
all of my kids have had incidents where this kids (young – preteens most times!) will start up in some way, either trying to scare them or preetending they will mug them. Thank g-d they never actually did anythng to them, but I am still frightened.
I had great experiences with shomrim. After calling 911, call whichever group makes you more comfortable, or if neither do, then just call the police. The groups are volunteer so if you don’t appreciate their services, nobody is forcing you to call them!
Thank you Captain Lewis for giving it to us straight and tackleing the issues head on.
We are happy you will be working here. Good luck with all.
Can you tell me what the roll of Shmira and Shomrim are, what they are allowed to do, etc.? A bus hit my car. I tried to call the police and the phone just rang and rang, with no answer. I called Shmira. They said that they would come. I was nervous because the bus driver opened the passenger door and sat down inside my car. He wouldn’t get out. He didn’t do anything to me, but I was nervous that I couldn’t get this man out of my car. I kept calling Shmira and they kept saying they would… Read more »
Why not ask about the past unrest? Pretending it didn’t happen doesn’t help at all. You can’t put your head in the sand and act like everythings perfect all the time. Issues need to be dealt with properly tpo prevent it from happenoing again.
Its so important that kids in our neighborhood have a safe plae to play. Sometimes when I’m there I ama fraid of the people loitering around. Hope they put a stop to that.
I think he will lead well and make a difference here, he seems to be a hands-on captain, I’ve seen him at a recent crime scene, he took a personal interest in making sure the victim was taken care of, and the proper measures were being taken to catch the assailant. Please keep it up captain, we need you here!
we know who ever rises to greatnes is forgiven past. wanted to wish him much greatness and success and should continue with his humblness which brings more blessings. We jews have to know that if “hashem Lo Yishmor Iyr Shav Shakad Shomer”, if g-d deosnt protect city in vain to security guards work, we need g-d to help us as well, but certainly we have to have them around so ppl know there is someone watching, and the police should just be here to keep the homony in the area. to the interviewer, its not smart to bring up those… Read more »
This is great news, maybe now the kids who might do a mugging if they think they will get away with it, will be afraid to do it. Only fear will keeps these kids from crime.
So much police present, can’t use my phone in the car!! LOL
im not so sure that it will really get better i hope its not just for the begining and then it will go back to business as usual
he sounds very good and real
“If you do that, they will embrace you.”
Nah, we’ll make you a ROCK STAR!!!!!!!!!!
Dont forget to watch out for the school on epkwy and brooklyn hundreds of kids thank g-d and lousy traffic guard ty
Hope his tactics work, he appears to be a really nice guy and genuinely concerned about the community and our safety.
Keep up the good work nypd!
Hope he really is as good as he seems to be, he seems like a mentch, I hope he dosnt get involved in internal CH politics, that will just doom him and put him in an endless mess that will never become untangled…
Its time we have police in our houses. Just to make sure we’re super safe? As clearly we can’t do anything ourselves? Let’s have more non jews. And more!
Here’s a thought, someone gets mugged, well mug someone tight back. Animals only understand a stick. That’s as basic as night and day
I have definitely noticed an increased police presence around the neighborhood in the past couple of weeks. Thank you captain Lewis for taking the time to get know our community and I hope your work will help to stop the recent crime issuea we have had here.
A Crown Heights resident
Give me confidence that CH has been given someone who is obviously intelligent, professional, and indeed one of NY’s finest. He is raising the bar
When we women can walk during the day without being mugged or worse, (I’m not even asking for safety at night!) THEN I’ll maybe trust the police. Until then, Shomrim is on speed dial. The police record of response AND doing something about the situation is abysmal. Shomrim is always on it. I’ve seen the uncaring police attitude & I have no reason to believe things will change. The lower-level police despise us & just don’t care enough to do their job.
By all means, prove me wrong, Capt. Lewis. I’m open-minded.
It’s beautiful to see the community and the police working together. Keep it up.
Thank you inspector for being above the fray and not taking sides in silly politics.
Captain John Lewis and Vinny. You guys will do a great job. I can feel it already.
good choice of questions, very well thought out. Now lets hope he can follow through on his ideas. I think the most important part is the follow up with the DA. Ultimately you can’t catch every criminal every time but it you make them afraid of getting caught you won’t have these brazen and open muggings.
since he got patrols feels safe i hope he keepit up seeems like a nice guy