The 52nd Precinct has added six new Impact Response Team police officers and should add another 14 soon, D’Adamo said. His precinct will then boast 58 Impact cops and 314 total.
D’Adamo, reassigned from the 50th Precinct to the 52nd Precinct in late October, has already made a dent in prostitution on Jerome and Davidson avenues near St. James Park, where neighbors consider the frisky business a top quality of life concern. D’Adamo’s cops made 15 arrests in a single hour and a half operation. Five of those arrested were prostitutes. The Deputy Inspector has dispatched plainclothes police to fool and apprehend the prostitutes and johns. D’Adamo has partnered with a Bronx non-profit to find the prostitutes employment help and more.
The 52nd Precinct has launched several operations against troublesome bars and clubs, D’Adamo said. He has used teens to test bartenders and issued summonses to those that serve alcohol to minors.
As of January 19, the 52nd Precinct, which includes Bedford Park, Fordham, Kingsbridge, Norwood and University Heights, had yet to suffer a single shooting in 2010, D’Adamo said. As of January 19, his men and women had already made more than 100 arrests in 2010, compared to some 300 arrests made in 2009 total.
CB7 members reminded D’Adamo to check on loiterers near the Bronx Library Center on Bainbridge Avenue and car break-ins on Father Zeiser Place and in University Heights.
New York City Bureau of Fire Investigation North Commander William T. Law also stopped by the January 19 meeting. Law confirmed that two men were arrested in connection with the Norwood fire that destroyed a diner, a Foodtown supermarket and Bainbridge Dental on E. 204th Street in December. That blaze and fire at Bainbridge Avenue and E. 204th Street on Halloween 2009 both remain under investigation, Law said. Fire marshals could make additional arrests.
Community District 7 witnessed 98 fires in 2009; 35 were incendiary, Law said. The site of the December fire was left untouched due to an insurance disupte but a demolition permit was secured on January 19, Law added.
Reach reporter Daniel Beekman at 718 742-3383 or dbeekman@cnglocal.com
