Top cop at 70th Precinct earns promotion

March 6, 2013 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Inspector Rodriguez proclamation.jpg

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Eric Rodriguez, the commanding officer of the 70th Police Precinct, now has a shorter, but more prestigious title. The veteran cop, who formerly commanded the 68th Precinct in Bay Ridge, has been promoted from deputy inspector to inspector by Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.

Councilman David Greenfield (D-Borough Park-Bensonhurst-Midwood) attended a recent meeting of the 70th Precinct Community Council to formally congratulate Rodriguez on his promotion. Greenfield also presented Rodriguez with an official New York City Council proclamation. Rodriguez took command of the precinct two years ago.

“It was a pleasure to personally congratulate Inspector Eric Rodriguez on his well-deserved promotion and to thank him for his great efforts on behalf of local residents. This is someone who has dedicated his life and career to keeping New Yorkers safe and improving the quality of life in all of the neighborhoods served by the 70th Precinct. We truly are fortunate to have devoted people like Inspector Rodriguez protecting our community,” Greenfield said.

He also noted Inspector Rodriguez’s efforts before, during, and after Hurricane Sandy to keep residents informed through countless e-mail updates the precinct sent to the public.

Rodriguez oversaw a large drop in crime since he took command of the precinct, according to New York Police Department statistics. Overall crime decreased by 14 percent in two years. Felony assaults went down by 44 percent. There was a 15 percent decrease in robberies and a 2 percent decline in grand larcenies.

The 70th Precinct covers parts of Flatbush, Kensington, and Midwood.

Rodriguez’s NYPD career includes past stints serving as the commanding officer of Transit District 3 in Manhattan, the executive officer of the 9th Precinct in the East Village, and tours of duty with the Narcotics Division and Technical Assistance Response Unit. He served as commanding officer of the 68th Precinct in Bay Ridge until his transfer to the 70th Precinct in 2011.

“The impact Inspector Rodriguez has already made on our community in a short amount of time shows that the people of Flatbush and the surrounding areas are in great hands. With that in mind, it was an honor to present Inspector Rodriguez with a proclamation in recognition of his promotion and his hard work each day to keep the public safe,” concluded Councilman Greenfield.

The proclamation was also signed by Council members Jumaane Williams, Michael Nelson and Mathieu Eugene, who all represent neighborhoods served by the 70th Precinct.