Showing posts with label Police Department. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Police Department. Show all posts

Monday, July 6, 2015

NYPD To The Rescue

NYPD: A helping hand

In my recent post, Safety Tips For Travelers To New York, I casually joked (there's also images of myself with two of NY's finest) "If you feel uncomfortable or lost, approach a police officer or a friendly store owner to get your bearings or directions". Seriously, do what I’ve done on many occasions, find a police officer if you are lost, you will find them helpful and understanding. Especially if you are lost. Note, it pays to be polite, and no sudden movements when you approach them ….

NYPD holding the line

My first visit to New York was over 30 years ago, and I've been coming on a regular basis ever since. I moved permanently in 2008, when I bravely married a New Yorker.

NYPD protecting the community 

In the 1970s the local NYPD were getting a lot of bad press, but ever since then, I noticed the improvements in their social skills, and I now have the highest respect for them.

NYPD in the 1970s

Did you know that the NYPD is America’s biggest police force? They are constantly working harder to make themselves, and their city both safer and less violent. It may be just me, but wherever I turn my head there stand a couple of police officers guarding the civilians around them. And when trouble comes calling, there comes 3/4 or more police cars turning up at the scene. This is truly reassuring.

Friendly NYPD

My latest contact with the local police was back on April 2, 2015. Vyna and I were in our upstairs office facing the main street, when she heard the alarm sound off indicating an intruder(s). This was approximately 11:45 in the evening. Vyna's response was great; she quickly locked the office door while pulling the table against the door, while dialing 911. Let me just say, this was a bit of a fumble for both of us, as our hearts were thumping inside our chests. Admittedly, I was more than a little scared, but before my fear escalated, the NYPD arrived at our residence within 4 minutes. They shouted up through the window to stay in the room, and Vyna threw the door keys to the house at them, via our office window. While safely upstairs, we could hear them going from room to room, and because Vyna could hear all the different sounds of voices downstairs, she thought, at some point, that they actually caught someone (remember, she only spoke to 2 cops while she was at the window). After what seems like an intercity to us, the police finally called her out of the room, and invited her to come downstairs. To Vyna's amazement, when she arrived at the bottom of the stairs, she was facing an army of 12 heavily armed police officers! Can you believe it?! While she walked towards the kitchen she was informed that one of the officers unfortunately bumped his head on one of the hanging pots and pans in the kitchen (he was quite tall, mind you). They also nearly shot the back door because Vyna hanged her garden clothes, and her hammock behind a long gray curtain that keeps the draft away - the female officer explained how she thought someone was hiding behind the curtain.

Smile!
After searching the entire house, and not finding a single intruder, they compliment us on our present state of mind, as we able to stay in the room until the police arrived. The conclusion of the alarm that was dispatched was simple, a faulty alarm. One officer indicated that he experienced a similar incident himself. They departed the house, and to our further peace of mind, we noticed that they stayed outside the house for awhile. We were both impressed, and thankful for their prompt arrival, and let's face it, they did put their lives on the line for us. At the end, we did not view this as a false alarm, because the NYPD have earned our respect by the way they interacted with us.

Fun Photo's
Nothing Is Missed!

"You are under arrest"
The New York Police Department posted this photo after one of its officers saved a kitten from an engine block.
My favorite sight in New York!

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Why Do Our Friends Love New York?

New York City's Police Force: Penn Station Subway station, circa 2012
Dear officer, "May I keep the handcuffs?": NYPD are frequently referred to as New York's Finest.

In 2008 I married a New Yorker, and moved in the city that never sleeps. How did I feel about moving to New York? Well, I've been visiting this town for over 30 years, and have since experienced many changes. For example, in the mid 1970s traveling safely in the subway was a huge concern, and Central Park in the nighttime was dangerous, or at worse - a scary place. It is understandable that before our friends visit New York, they often asked us “is it safe to come?” A reasonable question considering its reputation. It's no surprise that people's perception of New York is that it is dangerous and crime- ridden city. But bear in mind that no city is crime free. And so, Vyna and I do feel safe, and enjoy our time in New York - both day and night.

In memoriam: A plaque for a fallen NYC police officer
NYFD
 New York Skyline
 5th Avenue: New York's Museum Mile
Bryant Park Subway Station
 Mini Cooper: A trendy, and convenient car to drive around New York

New York City consistently ranks in the top ten safest cities in the United States. Violent crimes in New York have dropped by over 50% in the last decade. However, you should still be aware that many swindlers and thieves are skilled at preying on, and identifying out-of-towners, and folks that may seem disoriented or confused while walking around in the city. These statistics however shouldn't scare you away from visiting the Big Apple, and so using common sense should make you feel fairly safe.

Street performances in the New York are often an engaging source of entertainment. But they can also provide pickpockets an ideal opportunity. While it may be fun to watch some of the musicians, and artists performed, be aware of your surroundings, and the locations of your wallets and valuables.

A few random images of our out of town friends:









     



While visiting New York, keep in mind that during the daytime, almost all areas of Manhattan are safe for walking -- even Harlem and Alphabet City, a neighborhood located within the East Village. Central Park is a place that I often visit, as well as Times Square. Times Square stays heavily populated by tourists well after midnight, when theater-goers on Broadway head home. New York hasn't been called The City That Never Sleeps for no reason.

Vyna's friends in Central Park
Police Patrol in Times Square - at all times
Times Square
The Paris Theater is well known for its Indie, and Foreign films
Times Square: Our visiting friends from France
Our Floridians friends in Times Square
New York is the perfect place for an espresso, yes?

Our Local Friends



J. Barber: My dear mentor. Miss him very much
Never a dull moment: My wife Vyna attends a party in the upper east side where Royalty was in attendance
Vyna and her good friend Cynthia