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Questioning the adequacy of PEP officer staffing in city parks
1:58:08
ยท
85 sec
Council Member Krishnan questions the adequacy of Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) officer staffing levels, arguing that the current number is insufficient for ensuring safety in New York City's parks.
- Krishnan notes there are only 390 PEP officers for the entire city
- Director Jiha defers to the Parks Department on operational questions about staffing adequacy
- Krishnan concludes by asserting that 300 PEP officers for the entire park system is severely underfunding public safety in parks
Shekar Krishnan
1:58:08
PEP officers sorry.
1:58:09
Actually, almost open to my last question, please.
1:58:11
Is is for PEP officers, we've got about 390 PEP officers for all of New York City.
1:58:18
Do you think that's an adequate number for all five boroughs, 390 PEP officers?
Jacques Jiha
1:58:23
Again, as I said, these are operational questions.
1:58:26
I'm not the person who has these questions.
1:58:28
You know, I don't know.
1:58:29
Can't tell you what's adequate, what's not adequate.
1:58:31
But I know we we funded those positions, and if based on our discussion with the Parks Department, if they believe this is something that is critical for them, they'll come to us with their new needs.
1:58:50
But as I said, we talk with the department every day.
1:58:52
This is not something new.
1:58:54
We discuss their needs.
1:58:57
And if the needs are there and the resources are there, you know, we will do what we need to do.
1:59:04
But if the resources are not there, the resources are not there.
1:59:07
I would Don't do magic here.
Shekar Krishnan
1:59:09
Understood.
1:59:09
I would conclude by saying 300 PEP officers for our entire city's park system is severely underfunding public safety in our parks.
1:59:16
And look, to conclude, if this mayor can't devote the resources to keep our parks safe, I don't know how he keeps our streets safe.
1:59:25
And if he can't keep our parks and our streets safe, I don't know how he delivers on his so called vision of keeping our city safe.
1:59:31
Thank you.
Jacques Jiha
1:59:32
You're welcome.