Asking for a stepped up police presence

In the wake of nationwide bomb threats to Jewish community centers last month, including one to the Friedberg JCC in Oceanside, and the evacuations of JCCs in Albany and Syracuse last week, State Sen. Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach) sent a letter to the 4th Precinct requesting added security for the two JCCs in the 9th Senate District.

“I’m sensing a disturbing trend,” Kaminsky said, pointing to the multiple incidents of swastika drawings across Nassau County and Ku Klux Klan material being distributed at a train station in Suffolk. “Bomb threats are being called in, there are very deranged people out there, and it’s not a normal situation. We need more than the normal protective measures.”

Kaminsky said he doesn’t want to micromanage the Nassau police. He pointed to what he called his “fantastic relationship with the police” and said “they do a great job.” He said this was a suggestion in light of recent events and “wants to make sure they act accordingly.”

Det. Lt. Richard LeBrun, commanding officer, of the Nassau Police Department’s Public Information Office, said that all the JCCs in the county are receiving intensified patrols and Problem-Oriented Patrol police are periodically visiting the JCCs as well as officers on routine patrols. LeBrun said the department has the JCCs on the list for stepped up security as most have offices in synagogues.

Problem-oriented policing is a policing strategy that involves the identification and analysis of specific crime and disorder problems, in order to develop effective response strategies.

“The Nassau County Police Department takes all public threats seriously and has been intensifying patrols around all religious institutions, areas of public transit, critical infrastructure, as well as significant public events,” he said. “The NCPD continues to work with our federal, state and local partners and assesses our threat level through Real Time Intelligence. The public should always remain vigilant of their surroundings and call 911 immediately if they observe anything suspicious or unusual. Residents are reminded that if you see something, say something, if you hear something, say something.”

Joel Block, executive director of the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC in Cedarhurst, said that the Jewish community organization’s board, staff and program participants greatly appreciate Kaminisky’s dedication to the needs of the Jewish community he represents.

“Given the challenging times, we certainly appreciate the additional law enforcement to augment our internal security services,” Block said. “Safety is our top priority, and we welcome the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to benefit our JCC.” No threats against the Gural JCC have been reported.

The Gural JCC was a recipient of a $75,000 Homeland Security grant through Rep. Kathleen Rice’s office two years ago. The money can be used to purchase enhanced security features, including forced-entry-resistant technology, security-modified doors, alarm systems and surveillance cameras.

Block declined to comment on which security measures were installed, but said the JCC has taken steps to augment the safety of its staff and members, and of the teachers and students at the early childhood center at Temple Israel of Lawrence.