Mamdani-Backed ‘Police-Free Zone’ Gets Another Trial Run in Brooklyn Neighborhood

 A recent initiative in Brooklyn, New York City, has introduced a "police-free zone" where community groups patrol instead of police officers. This experiment raises questions about its effectiveness and impacts on crime.

1. Overview of the Initiative:

• In Brownsville, NYPD has allowed community groups to manage a two-block area from October 7 to 11, 2025, without police presence.

• Community members from organizations like Brownsville in Violence Out handled low-level incidents and provided social services during this period.

2. Historical Context:

• This program called the Brownsville Safety Alliance started back in 2020 under then-Mayor Bill de Blasio.

• Initially set as a semi-annual trial, it has increased to quarterly events with funding from city contracts.

3. Local Leadership:

• Program director Dushoun Almond, known as “Bigga,” leads the efforts, claiming his team can de-escalate situations better than police might.

• Almond reported that the recent initiative went mostly smoothly, citing a gas main leak as the only notable incident.

4. Controversies and Criticism:

• An unauthorized NYPD flyer warned officers to stay out unless there was a severe emergency, raising questions about the police department's true involvement.

• Critics, including retired police officers and city officials, worry this initiative could worsen crime or symbolize a deeper ideological conflict regarding policing.

5. Public Reaction:

• Local residents have mixed feelings; some support the community-led approach, while others express the need for police in maintaining safety.

• Recent crime statistics show a significant drop in murders and shootings, but increases in other crimes such as robberies and assaults.

6. Political Implications:

• Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has publicly supported the program, aligning with a more leftist view on policing.

• Critics argue this initiative reflects a trend towards diminishing police presence in a city experiencing rising violence.

7. Future Concerns:

• There are fears that similar experiments may become widespread, potentially allowing crime to flourish under the pretense of community control.

• Republicans, such as mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, have condemned the zone, indicating plans to dismantle it if elected.

The Brownsville Safety Alliance's experiment in establishing a police-free zone has sparked significant debate about policing strategies and community safety in New York City. While it aims to empower local groups, the initiative raises concerns regarding its potential to influence crime rates and overall community safety. As opinions remain divided, the program's long-term effectiveness and implications for law enforcement will continue to be scrutinized.

https://patriot.tv/mamdani-backed-police-free-zone-gets-another-trial-run-in-brooklyn-neighborhood/