More cops to walk the beat in Coney Island

Officials announce bigger police presence for Summer 2016

January 19, 2016 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Councilmember Mark Treyger (at podium) and state Sen. Diane Savino (at left) joined Coney Island residents at a press conference in June calling on police to crack down on gun violence in the community. Photo courtesy of Treyger’s office

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It’s winter, but in Coney Island, thoughts are already turning to summer.

Coney Island residents and visitors will see an increased security presence during the summer of 2016, according to elected officials who said they worked out an agreement with City Hall to bring more cops to the neighborhood.

Borough President Eric Adams, state Sen. Diane Savino, Councilmember Mark Treyger and Assemblymember Pamela Harris worked with City Hall to implement improved safety measures and fraud prevention programs in Coney Island’s amusement and residential areas.

After the de Blasio Administration took steps to crack down on individuals dressed as superheroes and cartoon characters who were hustling tourists in Times Square, Treyger, Adams, Savino, and Harris called on City Hall to devote attention to Coney Island, where they said similar incidents have taken place in the summertime.

The Mayor’s Office, high-ranking NYPD officials and City Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver personally responded, Treyger said.

As a result, an additional 20 police officers will be assigned to duty in Coney Island this summer. In the summer of 2015, 64 additional officers were provided. That number will rise to 84 this year.

“Coney Island has long been a classic destination for amusement, recreation and family fun, particularly during the summer months. The NYPD has worked collaboratively with the other city agencies, as well as local community and elected leaders, to ensure that residents, area businesses and visitors continue to enjoy all that Coney Island has to offer within a safe and secure environment,” Police Commissioner William Bratton said in a statement.

The Parks Department has assured local elected officials that they will open the 2016 summer season in Coney Island’s amusement area with an increased presence and aggressive enforcement.

It’s an important move, said Treyger, who added that more Parks Enforcement Police (PEP) officers on patrol on the beach and boardwalk will allow the NYPD to strategically position cops to meet the needs of Coney Island’s residential areas.

“NYC Parks is committed to creating safe and comfortable environments in our city’s parks, and increased security in Coney Island will improve this significantly,” Silver said. “Our Parks Enforcement Patrol officers’ work goes a long way toward keeping the public safe, and we work closely with NYPD to address issues of safety in parks. We will continue to work together to make Coney Island a place people love to visit, and we look forward to the upcoming beach season.”

In addition to the law enforcement measures, the Department of Consumer Affairs plans to educate residents and tourists about legal tipping after incidents last summer in which individuals dressed as superheroes demanded tips or illegally charged boardwalk patrons for photographs.

“The historic challenge we have faced in Coney Island has been making sure that our police officers are not stretched too thin in the amusement area. Getting more NYPD and PEP officers here is a win for everyone. The addition of more NYPD officers will provide a safer environment for residents and visitors alike, and more PEP officers provided by NYC Parks will allow the NYPD to dedicate their efforts appropriately. The goal is to keep a strong police presence in both the amusement and residential sections of the community,” Treyger said.

“With the implementation of these 20 officers, the 60th Precinct will get the resources they deserve. I would also like to thank the Parks Department for their commitment to providing additional PEP officers to our boardwalks, as well as the Department of Consumer Affairs who plans to release brochures informing our visitors that they are not entitled to pay the superheroes who frequent our shore during the summer months. We are confident with these new improvements. it will create a safer summer environment here in Coney Island,” Savino said.

Johanna Zaki, executive director of the Alliance for Coney Island, said she is pleased with the new developments.

“These quality of life improvements serve to further promote the growth and development of the Coney Island amusement area and provide both locals and tourists a fun and safe entertainment destination,” she said.