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As the 46th Precinct grapples with its deadliest year on record, families like the Gomez and Sanchez families are left mourning the senseless loss of their loved ones. The community is left reeling from the violence, with residents fearing for their safety every time they step out onto the streets.
Calls for increased police presence and changes to bail reform laws have been made in an effort to combat the rising crime rates in the area. The lack of resources and patrol officers in the precinct have been cited as contributing factors to the spike in homicides and shootings.
As the city and law enforcement officials work to address the alarming situation in the 46th Precinct, families continue to mourn the lives lost to senseless acts of violence. The community remains on edge, hoping for solutions that will bring an end to the bloodshed and restore a sense of safety and security to their neighborhoods.
For now, the families of Ronald Gomez-Mesa and Leslie Sanchez are left to grieve the devastating losses of their loved ones, while the residents of the 46th Precinct anxiously await the changes needed to bring peace back to their streets.
Mayor Eric Adams recently unveiled a new pilot program called “Every Block Counts,” aimed at improving the quality of life in persistently high-crime areas in Brooklyn’s 73rd Precinct and the Bronx’s 46th Precinct. The program directs resources from multiple city agencies to specific streets that have seen a high number of shootings.
Since the launch of the program in October, there have been no shootings or shots fired incidents reported along three Bronx thoroughfares – Morris Avenue, Elm Place, and Walton Avenue. This marks a significant improvement compared to four shootings and shots fired incidents in the same area in 2023.
Despite the positive impact of the program, some residents and law enforcement officials remain skeptical. One Bronx police officer expressed doubts about the program’s ability to address the underlying issues contributing to violence in the community. He criticized politicians for making promises without delivering meaningful change.
The NYPD, on the other hand, highlighted their efforts to combat crime through enhanced patrols and precision policing in high-crime areas. The department has identified specific crime reduction zones in the 46th Precinct where officers conduct increased patrols to address violence and disorder. Additionally, the NYPD has made 29 homicide arrests in the precinct, representing a 163.6% increase, with overall arrests up by 19.4%.
Despite these measures, residents like Gabby Almonte feel uneasy about the ongoing violence in their neighborhoods. Almonte described the situation as “really, really bad,” expressing concerns about safety while walking in the area.
The implementation of the “Every Block Counts” program underscores the city’s commitment to addressing crime in high-risk areas. While there are mixed opinions about the program’s effectiveness, the collaborative efforts of city agencies and law enforcement aim to create safer communities for residents in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
Additional reporting by Dorian Geiger and Craig McCarthy.
