HCOP President Joe Thompson updates Howard Beach on his group’s quest for growth. Photo by Phil Corso
Howard Beach’s newest vigilante group is still working to establish roots in the community but has made serious headway in the five short weeks since starting.
The Howard Beach Civilian Observation Patrol held its first public meeting last Wednesday night in Lindenwood and outlined its progress as the group continues its efforts of becoming a go-to source of safety in southern Queens. Group President Joseph Thompson emceed the meeting before introducing board members and providing updates on his correspondence with the 106th Precinct.
Just one year ago, residents flooded a 106th Precinct Community Council meeting calling for more officers in the community. Thompson said he hoped his group could help offset his neighbors’ pleas for more eyes and ears protecting Howard Beach and Lindenwood. Thompson, an 18-year resident of the community and former auxiliary officer himself, called on some of the more recent community events in Howard Beach, including last week’s Loop for a Cure biking event, as learning experiences for him and his crew.
“We’ve been working to make a strong presence in the community,” he said. “I think we’re becoming more accepted as we go.”
Last weekend, he said members of the patrol provided basic assistance to bikers rolling through the neighborhood and served as an extra set of eyes and ears to the police officers overseeing the festivities.
The civilian patrol president said the 106th Precinct has since invited his group to help out in overseeing other upcoming events, including a Columbus Day parade scheduled for September.
Since forming the group earlier this summer, Thompson said the HCOP has grown to more than 20 volunteers and growing. He said he hoped to exceed 40 volunteers sooner rather than later as the group continues its quest to become a not-for-profit sidekick to the region’s 106th Precinct and its auxiliary officer program.
While the HCOP has not officially been patrolling the area, Thompson said he and other volunteers have already been hitting the pavement to let residents know they are here and ready to help. Thompson outlined one instance in which he notified 311 of a broken basketball hoop behind PS 232 in Lindenwood as one of his earliest on-the-ground assistance efforts.
Anthony Careccia, first vice president of the civilian patrol, gave a heartfelt speech as to why he joined the group and why residents of the community should embrace HCOP as it builds a rapport with the 106th Precinct.
“The Loop event showed that we can do this. We’re not here to be a vigilante group,” he said. “We want to be the eyes and ears for the precinct.”
Since launching back in June, the HCOP group has since acquired its own patrol car and decorated it with the group’s official logo – a black shield sporting an American flag and eagle on the inside, which Thompson designed himself.
Other members of the board included second Vice President PJ Marcel and Board Advisor Nick Benedice – both of which already have experience working as active community service members in various neighborhood organizations.
By Phil Corso
