The 109th Precinct in Flushing is set to welcome a new satellite station, with plans to add approximately 70 officers to enhance local safety. Reports indicate that 66 officers have already been designated, along with command staff for the new precinct. The department is still in the recruitment phase and plans to draw officers willing to transfer from various parts of the city.
Essentially, a satellite precinct serves as a smaller, auxiliary police station designed to support the main precinct’s operations. By establishing this satellite location, the goal is to reduce response times and improve community policing coverage, providing residents with more accessible safety services. However, the exact location for the new satellite precinct has yet to be confirmed by law enforcement.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, crime in the 109th Precinct’s jurisdiction has surged, even reaching the highest crime rates in the city at one point, prompting residents to call for an additional precinct. The 109th covers major areas including Flushing, College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, and Queens Village, making it the third largest precinct by area and the most populated according to census data. The idea of splitting the precinct into two has been on the table since 2006, but financial constraints have hindered its realization.
Concerns over inadequate police presence have led residents, particularly in the northern parts of the jurisdiction, to complain about a concentration of officers in central Flushing, resulting in slower response times. With the new precinct on the horizon, City Councilmember Sandra Ung expressed enthusiasm, stating, “While we are still waiting for more specific details, my top priority has always been to ensure public safety for Flushing residents. I have consistently advocated for more officers in our precinct and look forward to collaborating with the NYPD to ensure that Flushing has the necessary resources to protect residents and businesses.”
However, community members remain skeptical about the long-term operation of the satellite precinct. Local resident Peter Du noted that while the satellite station may alleviate some pressure on the 109th Precinct in the short term, lack of unified command between the two could lead to potential conflicts in the future.
Recent crime data released by the police department highlights a significant increase in burglary rates citywide, with the 109th Precinct area experiencing the highest rates among the Chinese community.
