The FCBID’s uniformed public safety officers patrol the district seven days a week, making streets safer while also responding to public inquiries for information and directions. Public Safety supervisors work closely with the NYPD and related agencies to target areas of concern and provide building managers with safety bulletins and programs to improve security.

STAFFING AND HOURS OF OPERATION The FCBID public safety department includes a department director, 3 supervisors and 22 public safety officers. PSOs are on duty Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

NYPD STATS According to NYPD statistics, crime levels in the Fashion District in 2005 increased 11% over the previous year. While this may be a source of concern, this increase was largely attributable to a few individuals who committed grand larcenies from persons and grand larcenies of property. Fortunately, these patterns were immediately detected by the NYPD and those responsible were apprehended. Moreover, the crime level for 2005 still represents a remarkable 67% decrease in overall crime since the FCBID launched its public safety services in 1994.

FC public safety of€cers use high-tech handheld computers.

NEW HIGH-TECH RECORDING PROGRAM The FCBID is the first BID in New York City to employ a new program in which public safety officers use high-tech handheld computers to record data on the streets. The program was launched as a pilot program in Summer 2005, then expanded to the whole department in Winter 2006. The palm-sized computers allow the public safety officers to quickly input information that enables the FCBID to easily track issues and more effectively respond to district needs. The units also hold information that allows public safety officers to assist tourists and others who ask for information. NY1 has done a feature story on the project.

NYPD SHIELD The FCBID has joined “NYPD SHIELD,” the umbrella program for Police Department initiatives that pertain to private sector security, especially counter terrorism strategies. Through NYPD SHIELD, the FCBID has access to site security surveys, training courses, and intelligence and threat information.

COMMENDATIONS In December 2005, FCBID public safety officer Nicole Carter was instrumental in the capture of an individual who was attempting to rob a local bank. After a bank employee alerted the public safety officer to what was happening, she radioed the information to the FCBID public safety base, which in turn notified 911. The police subsequently arrested the perpetrator.
In addition, FCBID public safety officers Willie Allsbrook and Milagros Lopez received commendations from the NYPD in 2005 for their assistance in apprehending perpetrators involved in street crime in the Fashion District.

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