Sunday, October 9, 2011

Update on the SafeStop Program & Sexual Assaults in Brooklyn

These are updates from Assemblywoman Joan Millman on the SafeStop program that was recently developed to develop safe-havens in Brooklyn, as well as an update on the sexual assaults in the South-Slope area. The later includes some really good safety tips that are worth reading:

SAFE STOP

The Brooklyn District Attorney's office has begun a public safety program
 called "Safe Stop" (formerly safe Haven), which allows merchants to display a decal to alert the public
 that their business is a safe place to go in the event of an emergency. Business employees will receive
 training about the program; have public safety information to give out and will refer non emergency
situations to the DA's office.

 Emergencies will be handled through 911. My office will soon be a safe stop. Applications for businesseswhich would like to become Safe Stops are available in my office at 341 Smith Street.

 Community Response to Sexual Assaults

Over the past few months there have been a string of sexual assaults in Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Greenwood Heights and Sunset Park. I have been in contact with both Assistant Chief Chan of the NYPD's Brooklyn South Division and Deputy Inspector Pintos of the 72nd Precinct. I am also working with the Dept of Transportation to see if they can install additional lights beneath the Prospect Expressway overpass in the interest of public safety. Several of the attacks began with the victim being followed after leaving a subway station, especially the Prospect Ave station at 4th Ave on the R train.

 It is extremely important that we all take safety precautions when walking alone day or night. The Police Department recommends being extra cautious and aware of your surroundings, taking off headphones as they may inhibit the ability to hear someone approaching and using a route that is well lit and well populated.

 Do not hesitate to call the 72nd Precinct at 718-965-6311, 78th Precinct at (718) 636-6411 or 911 if you suspect a crime is being committed.

 Additionally, the following resources provide late night walks or rides home:

 o Brooklyn Bike Patrol provides walks home 7 days a week from subway stops in Park Slope, Prospect Heights and Carroll Gardens. Call 718-744-7592 to arrange an escort.

 o Right Rides provides free, safe rides home for women and LGBTQ individuals after midnight on the weekends. Call 888-215-SAFE

o Safe Slope provides free walks home in Park Slope, Greenwood Heights and
 Windsor Terrace on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm-3am by calling
347-709-8852

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