THIS TUESDAY, AUGUST 2 FROM 6 TO 9 PM--GREENBURGH TOWN HALL, 177 Hillside Ave, White Plains

SPONSORED BY GREENBURGH POLICE--GREENBURGH NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENT

On Tuesday Aug. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m., the Greenburgh Police Department is hosting its first National Night Out 2016.

This is an annual community building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, and improve our living environment.

This event is meant to increase awareness about police programs in communities, such as drug prevention, town and neighborhood watch and other anti-crime efforts. We have united in the past as a community for other events, and by uniting again we are demonstrating the solidarity of the great members and supporters of the Town of Greenburgh, and its efforts to continue to keep our children and streets safe and improve our quality of life.

National Night Out will be held at Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Avenue, White Plains. We will have a night filled with activities, informative resources, entertainment and many community minded individuals that will be supporting this event.

THE EVENT TUESDAY EVENING IS JUST ONE OF MANY INITIATIVES WE HAVE TAKEN TO ADDRESS POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS

The recent police related tragedies around the United States have motivated elected officials all over the nation to try to improve police community relations.  The town of Greenburgh has given this matter significant attention over the last twenty five years. And, our efforts have paid off.  Very little racial tension in the town and between the police and community. Here are some of our initiatives:         

             Every uniformed police officer is using their individual body camera and has been doing so since early June, thanks to the leadership of Chief Chris McNerney.
  

·         Every police officer is trained and equipped with a Taser which is less lethal.   Our Special Operations personnel are equipped with additional “less than lethal” equipment.    

·         In 1992 we created a Greenburgh Police/Community Advisory Commission to encourage dialogue and promote greater understanding between the police and the community in which they serve. The commission (except for the summer months) meets monthly and has included student representatives. Different neighborhoods in town are represented on the commission. Residents with public safety concerns are invited to attend the meetings and relate their feelings.

 ·         In 2003 the town created a Greenburgh Police Explorer Post #2003. This is a voluntary post organized by the Boy Scouts of America Explorer Program and sponsored by the Greenburgh police department. Members of the Explorer post serve without compensation and assist the police department. We provide young adults who may be interested in a career in law enforcement with a comprehensive program of training, competition, service and practical experiences.  Character development, physical fitness, good citizenship  are parts of the program. The program is open to young adults ages 14 through 20 years. Call Sergeant Norman Hall at 989- 1715 if interested or e mail nhall@greenburghny.com

   ·         In 1998 the town formed a police summer youth camp.  The camp is partially funded by the Lanza Foundation. About 25 children between the ages of 12 and 17 sign up for the camp each year. The camp is, in essence, a junior police academy where youngsters are placed in a setting similar to that experienced by a police recruit. The seven week course consists of physical training and classroom instruction in law and other related topics. Guest lecturers from the FBI, DA’s office, United States Secret Service and other areas within the criminal justice system present an overview of their agency’s operations. Demonstrations by specialized police units and field trips to courts and other criminal justice institutions also take place. Contemporary issues such as alcohol and drug abuse are addressed and students participate in various role play scenarios which illustrate the practical everyday problems faced by law enforcement officers.  Campers receive instruction and certification in cardio pulmonary resuscitation, first aid and water rescue.  TWO OF OUR GRADUATES ARE NOW GREENBURGH POLICE OFFICERS!

   ·         In 1993 we formed the Greenburgh police community policing unit. The community police unit was formed at the time to address pervasive criminal activity in the Fairview section of Greenburgh.  The  community policeofficers interact with the community. They are given a bicycle and are certified by the Law Enforcement Bicycle Association. They work on other projects: enhancing the bicycle identification program—town residents can have their bicycles stamped with a consecutive number and the framed label. They have coordinated with landlords to eliminate graffiti and vandalism to their properties. They participate in a toys for tots program helping local needy children. They have assisted the department’s street crime unit and the NYS Police with investigations which resulted in indictments of major drug suppliers. They have worked with the parks and recreation department to upgrade our parks and provide safety initiative programs. And- they have helped senior citizens resolve problems. Greenburgh police will also be visiting places of worship—encouraging members of the community to interact with our officers when needed.

 Paul Feiner