April 9, 2022

To: 

Mayor Adams

Commissioner of Police Sewell

Speaker of the City Council Adams

Queens Borough President Richards

We the members of the International Center for Democracy, the Community of Richmond Hills, Ozone Park, and South Ozone Park call on the Commissioner of Police to expeditiously appoint  a Commanding Officer of South Asian descent to either Precinct 102, Precinct 106 or Precinct 109. The majority of the population living in these communities are of South Asian descent, having arrived from Guyana, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Trinidad or were born in these communities.

In the interest of improved community-police relations and rising crime in New York City we believe that a Commander who understands and can be responsive to the culture, social norms, and behavior of the community would allow for better interaction and communication with our community.

We in the community are prepared to work assiduously with a South Asian Commander who understands our community and will respond accordingly. We are convinced that with the right leadership and community-police cooperation we can significantly reduce crime in our neighborhoods. 

The South Asian Community of Richmond Hills, Ozone Park, and South Ozone Park believe that a Commander of South Asian descent would not only improve NYPD-Community relations but the officer will also serve as a role model to our younger generation who we would like to be a meaningful part of the NYPD. A Commanding Officer of South Asian descent will be an excellent role model for our younger generation.