Looking to give Howard Beach, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Richmond Hill and South Richmond Hill residents a respite from the chronic noise that has plagued their neighborhood, Capt. Joseph Courtesis, commanding officer of the 106th Precinct, has put together what he calls a very significant noise plan to be kicked off Memorial Day weekend.
At the precinct's community council meeting, Courtesis told community members that he will use the precinct's full resources against flagrant noise makers. There will be a greater police presence in the area on the holiday, as Patrol Borough Queens South has allocated additional manpower.
The precinct has worked hard to deal with issues of excessive noise throughout the year, as demonstrated by its zero-tolerance noise policy. In preparation for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, police personnel distributed letters in person to the owners of chronic noise locations, which were identified last year.
The letters explained the zero-tolerance policy and noted that all the identified locations would be monitored nightly. There would be strict enforcement, the letters stated, and action will be taken against those who violate the city's noise code: violators could be issued summonses and/or arrested, and sound equipment could be confiscated.
Courtesis further outlined the steps police will take this summer to silence the noisemakers. For Memorial Day weekend, Patrol Borough Queens South has assigned two sergeants and 16 officers to respond to community noise complaints. The 106th Precinct's officers' tours will also be changed, so that there will remain a police presence until 5 a.m.
Additionally, Courtesis said, since no block-party permits have been requested this year, any and all such parties found operating on the weekend will be closed down. One day of the holiday weekend, which Courtesis did not specify, will be designated as a no-tolerance day on which stereos and other sound equipment used by party goers and other noise makers will be seized. “I think that’s the best way to show enforcement right at the beginning of the year,” Courtesis said.
Explaining the large number of police officers being devoted to the noise operation, Courtesis conceded that the precinct found itself short-handed last Labor Day weekend. He had vowed not to let that happen again and took extra precautions for the coming holiday.
Residents with noise complaints are asked to call 311, Courtesis said. Three of his officers will be coordinating 311 noise complaints at the precinct, helping other officers respond to noise complaints more quickly. A large volume of calls is expected, the captain said, which is why his officers will take extra steps to expedite the process of responding to noise complaints. For example, if noise stops at a location about which complaints were made, officers will not respond there, and instead move on to the next location.
This noise plan will also be in effect for Labor Day weekend.
The letters explained the zero-tolerance policy and noted that all the identified locations would be monitored nightly. There would be strict enforcement, the letters stated, and action will be taken against those who violate the city's noise code: violators could be issued summonses and/or arrested, and sound equipment could be confiscated.
Courtesis further outlined the steps police will take this summer to silence the noisemakers. For Memorial Day weekend, Patrol Borough Queens South has assigned two sergeants and 16 officers to respond to community noise complaints. The 106th Precinct's officers' tours will also be changed, so that there will remain a police presence until 5 a.m.
Additionally, Courtesis said, since no block-party permits have been requested this year, any and all such parties found operating on the weekend will be closed down. One day of the holiday weekend, which Courtesis did not specify, will be designated as a no-tolerance day on which stereos and other sound equipment used by party goers and other noise makers will be seized. “I think that’s the best way to show enforcement right at the beginning of the year,” Courtesis said.
Explaining the large number of police officers being devoted to the noise operation, Courtesis conceded that the precinct found itself short-handed last Labor Day weekend. He had vowed not to let that happen again and took extra precautions for the coming holiday.
Residents with noise complaints are asked to call 311, Courtesis said. Three of his officers will be coordinating 311 noise complaints at the precinct, helping other officers respond to noise complaints more quickly. A large volume of calls is expected, the captain said, which is why his officers will take extra steps to expedite the process of responding to noise complaints. For example, if noise stops at a location about which complaints were made, officers will not respond there, and instead move on to the next location.
This noise plan will also be in effect for Labor Day weekend.
