NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday the NYPD will boost its support in Brooklyn over the Labor Day holiday weekend, providing security even with the borough's now-canceled J'Ouvert parade.
“We want to make sure the NYPD is out there keeping people safe,” de Blasio said Wednesday. “Because we believe in neighborhood policing this plan has been developed with community organizations, with clergy, with elected officials.”
Despite the annual parade's cancellation, for a second time, over COVID-19 concerns, the department will increase its presence with smaller and virtual events planned — including in-person events scheduled near the Brooklyn Museum, off Eastern Parkway.
Increased forces will be seen in Marine Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush, Crown Heights and Park Slope.
NYPD Chief of Department Rodney Harrison said the NYPD anticipates "several non-sanctioned cultural events throughout the weekend" and plans to send out additional department officers and resources to ensure safety.
“Sidewalk barbecues will not be permitted due to the fact that unfortunately, they may start a large gathering that can result in traffic conditions which could be a problem, which we’ve seen in the past,” Harrison said. “Officers will be out there to enforce quality of life conditions. Underage drinking, excessive noise, and hazardous crowd conditions.”
An increased police presence comes after New York City saw 22 shootings during last year's Labor Day weekend.