2024 State of Command: 17th Precinct Community Council Highlights Public Safety and Community Initiatives

The 17th Precinct Community Council held its 2024 State of Command meeting on January 29, 2025 at 630Second, led by Deputy Inspector Maggie Clamp, Commanding Officer of the 17th Precinct and Council President Matt Roberts. The annual meeting provided an in-depth review of crime trends, precinct personnel updates, traffic enforcement efforts, and community engagement initiatives .

Personnel and Precinct Overview

Key personnel at the precinct include Lt. Cynthia Rodriguez (Special Operations), Detective Jeffrey Arlotta, and Police Officer Dennis Wyss (Community Affairs), along with Crime Prevention Officer James Kearney. Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCOs) play a crucial role in liaising with the community, with officers assigned to different sectors of the precinct and include Supervisor Sgt Michael Relf, PO Nicholas Kolovos, PO Paul Pee, and PO Nasia Vega (pictured below).

The 17th Precinct saw a slight increase in total staffing from 142 officers in 2023 to 144 in 2024. However, the number of supervisors decreased from 23 to 19, while police officers increased from 96 to 105. The detective squad remained stable with 12 officers, and civilian staff saw a reduction from 11 to 8.

Crime Trends: Decline in Overall Crime

The precinct reported a significant drop in crime, with a total of 904 major index crimes in 2024, down from 1,115 in 2023, reflecting an 18.9% decrease. Over the past 31 years, crime in the precinct has declined by 81.7%, demonstrating long-term improvements in public safety.

• Robbery saw a 35.7% decrease, from 112 cases in 2023 to 72 in 2024.
• Burglary dropped 25.7%, from 136 to 101 incidents.
• Grand Larceny fell 16.4%, with 577 cases compared to 690 in 2023.
• Grand Larceny Auto (GLA) saw the most significant drop of 60.3%, from 63 cases in 2023 to 25 in 2024.

However, some crime categories experienced increases:

• Homicides rose from 1 case in 2023 to 4 in 2024.
• Rape cases increased by 57.1%, from 7 in 2023 to 11 in 2024.
• Felony assault rose 7.5%, from 106 to 114 incidents.

Despite these increases, the overall downward trend in crime reflects the precinct’s commitment to public safety.

Arrest and Summons Activity

The 17th Precinct’s arrest numbers rose in 2024, with:

• Detective Squad arrests increasing from 209 to 228.
• Patrol arrests rising from 701 to 767.
• Total arrests growing from 1,016 in 2023 to 1,168 in 2024.

Summons activity also saw changes:

• Parking violations surged by 87.7%, from 408 in 2023 to 766 in 2024.
• Criminal violations increased by 54.8%, from 926 to 1,433.
• OATH summonses nearly doubled (95.5% increase), reaching 1,991.

The most common moving violations issued were speeding, failure to yield, and disobeying traffic devices.

Traffic and Public Safety Concerns

The precinct recorded 860 traffic collisions in 2024, a slight 1.7% decrease from 875 in 2023. However, pedestrian and bicyclist injuries increased slightly, with 115 pedestrian injuries (up from 111) and 113 bicyclist injuries (up from 107).

The most dangerous intersections in the precinct included:

• 3rd Ave & East 37th Street
• 1st Ave & East 52nd Street
• 2nd Ave & East 46th Street
• 3rd Ave & East 59th Street
• 2nd Ave & East 34th Street

Efforts to address traffic safety continue to be a priority, especially with increased enforcement against improper turns, unlicensed operation, and red-light violations.

Community Engagement and Quality of Life Initiatives

The 17th Precinct Community Affairs team remained active in community outreach, handling 228 planned demonstrations and 51 unscheduled protests. Officers worked closely with the community to support public safety during high-profile events like the UN General Assembly.

Quality-of-life violations saw an increase in summonses for alcohol consumption in public, unlawful scooter operation, and bike riding on sidewalks. Scooter and bicycle-related enforcement efforts intensified, with:

• 627 scooter/moped confiscations (up 22.2%)
• 967 moving violations (up 69%)
• 81 criminal summonses (up 55.7%)

The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association: A Key Partner

The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association (MHNA) continues to be a strong partner and supporter of the 17th Precinct, working closely with law enforcement to enhance public safety, crime prevention, and quality of life initiatives in the community.

As one of the most active civic organizations in the precinct’s jurisdiction, the MHNA plays a critical role in engaging residents and businesses, facilitating communication between the NYPD and the local community, and advocating for safety improvements. The association collaborates with the precinct on safety initiatives, traffic concerns, and outreach programs, ensuring that residents are informed and involved in neighborhood security efforts.

The longstanding relationship between the MHNA and the 17th Precinct has been instrumental in reducing crime and improving neighborhood safety, with both groups working together to address concerns ranging from street safety to emergency preparedness.

Sign-up here for membership.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Deputy Inspector Clamp emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the NYPD and the community to maintain safety and quality of life in the precinct. With a sustained focus on crime reduction, traffic safety, and community partnerships, the 17th Precinct remains committed to ensuring a secure and thriving neighborhood.

For more information on upcoming meetings and how to get involved, visit www.17thPrecinctCC.org.

Full Presentation

Video Recording

View the recording of the meeting here.
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