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Council Member Hudson inquires about the "To Protect, Serve, and Understand" program

2:37:47

·

89 sec

Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about a community-police trust-building program called "To Protect, Serve, and Understand", run by a performing arts group named Irondale. She expresses concern about the program's reported cancellation and seeks explanation from NYPD officials.

  • The program has been running for nearly a decade, using theater to build trust between police and community members.
  • NYPD officials present were not familiar with the specific program.
  • Commissioner Jessica Tisch suggests following up with Deputy Commissioner Mark Stewart for more information on the decision to cut participation in the program.
Crystal Hudson
2:37:47
Are you familiar with a program called to protect, serve, and understand that's put on by a performing arts group called Irondale?
Martine N. Materasso
2:37:53
I am not.
Crystal Hudson
2:37:54
Okay.
2:37:55
For nearly a decade, they've used theater to help police and community members build trust and understanding.
2:38:01
I went to the, you know, ten year anniversary celebration.
2:38:05
We had former, you know, folks from the police department.
2:38:12
I don't remember all their titles.
2:38:13
But officers were permitted to attend the sessions and participate in the ten week long program.
2:38:20
However, we've been informed that the NYPD earlier this month was canceling this program, in order to put more uniforms on the street.
2:38:29
The program only requires seven officers for a total commitment of fifty six hours over ten weeks and less than $20,000 annually to fund the program which builds trust in the community.
2:38:41
If you're not familiar with the program, then I won't ask if you can explain why it was canceled.
Jessica Tisch
2:38:46
I'm not I'm not familiar with the program, but each deputy commissioner and each borough chief has to make some really difficult decisions in a tough environment in terms of staffing.
2:38:59
And so the program that you're talking about would fall under our community affairs bureau run by deputy commissioner Mark Stewart.
2:39:05
And so I recommend that you follow-up with him on why he made the assessment to cut participation in that program.
Crystal Hudson
2:39:13
Great.
2:39:14
Will do.
2:39:15
Thank you.
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