New top cop appointed to run Brooklyn’s 84th Precinct
After two and a half years under deputy inspector Sergio Centa, the NYPD’s 84th Precinct is getting a new commanding officer — Capt. Roberto Melendez — who introduced himself at Tuesday’s community council meeting held at Borough Hall.
Melendez, a native of Puerto Rico, grew up in Brooklyn and went to Franklin K. Lane High School and Empire State College before he graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He has been with the NYPD for nearly 26 years, including a five-month stint as executive officer in 2013.
“I’m glad to be here in the 84. It’s a great community, a great place to work,” Melendez said. “I was here back in 2013 from May until October, I was assigned here as a captain. I moved on to the 75th Precinct in Brooklyn, and that’s where I’ve been the past couple of years. The 75 is a big precinct. I dealt with traffic, domestic violence, shootings and gang violence. This is obviously different. In April, I’ll have 26 years in the department. I’ve worked most of my career in Brooklyn in Brooklyn North so I’m familiar with the area.”