Cops want crime watchers on 34 Bushwick blocks
As he washed his minivan before a Saturday shift as a delivery driver at a Bushwick pizza joint, Jermaine Bishop said crime remains a problem in his neighborhood.
“You can just be going about your normal life and get involved in something you didn’t even know about,” said Bishop, 26. The lifelong Linden Street resident pointed to the corner of Bushwick Avenue and said there had been a shooting during the daytime there recently.
Bishop’s block is one of 34 the local precinct is encouraging to fight crime by forming block associations. Residents, advocates and local officials say neighborhood organizations clean up the community and increase collaboration.
“We like to have as many as possible,” said Natalie Robinson, public affairs officer for Bushwick’s 83rd Precinct. “They have the block associations and we work hand in hand.”