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Unfortunately I agree with you...for those who believe areas like Mott Haven, or parts of the West central bronx are bad, you should check out Eastern Brooklyn...wow...it is shocking even to me..and this is 2008.
I walk down to the north side of the park a lot, 110 and lenox, and there is always a van or SUV or sometimes one of those vehicles you round people up and throw them in the back of, they are always there just watching. Sometimes it's more than one car, always multiple cops, or people that look like they are undercover or something. What are they doing?
It could be one of many things. Chances are that there is some type of sweep going on. Could be a fare evasion sweep in the subway or perhaps a narcotics sweep. The vans would stage at that location until they are called to the scene and pick up those arrested. There are also officers assigned to counter-terrorism patrols who run around Manhattan practicing mobilizations & emergency response. When they are rolling with the lights & sirens going they will pick a spot to park and wait further instructions.
There are always vans at the southwest corner of the park/Columbus Circle. I think the cops are on the ready for drug dealers. They (dealers) used to conduct business openly in the '80s and '90s. Since I no longer walk a dog in the park in the evening, I've lost track of the industry there, but it probably continues, though significantly diminished.
I saw on the news for the next two years they are going to start having anti-terrorist law enforcement in the subways. They look similar to the guys that stand down by wall street carrying really large intimidating guns. Bet that might help the subway crime. I sure wouldn't mess with one of them. Wish they would come stand on my block.
Carbro, those vans & police vehicles are just parked there. The transit police district & the Manhattan borough office is located downstairs in the station. The feeling (that there is an impending police action or patrol) people get when they see these vehicles around is the intended effect, called "omnipresence".
BTW, you will see more "police cars" on the road as the department is now painting the auxilliary cars with the same color scheme as the regular patrol cars, instead of the midnight blue. The only difference will be the words "Auxilliary" on the rear quarter panels. I wouldn't be surprised if they followed with the Traffic Agents & School Safety vehicles going the same color.... omnipresence. It dupes the public into thinking there are more police on patrol than there really are, especially useful when there is a shortage of actual police officers. Plus, there is a financial benefit because the city saves the money on paiting the aux vehicles blue. It only has to pay for the striping.
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