Ozone Park Commercial Properties Gain New Security Patrols

NEW YORK — "We must take proactive steps to protect our local merchants and ensure our shoppers feel safe walking these commercial strips," Ozone Park Merchant Association President Frank Russo said Wednesday. The business coalition is launching a joint security initiative on Cross Bay Boulevard, deploying private safety officers to patrol the primary shopping corridors.

Private Safety Officers Patrol Busy Shopping Districts

The private patrols will operate between 4:00 p.m. and midnight, focusing on the high-traffic retail blocks between 105th and 115th Avenues. The safety officers, who are unarmed but equipped with direct radio links to the NYPD's 106th Precinct, will monitor local storefronts and assist shoppers, according to details released on Cross Bay News local updates.

Funding for the program is being shared by more than forty local business owners, who argue that the visible presence of security personnel will deter shoplifters and reduce property vandalism. The initiative comes after several merchants reported a rise in late-night window smashings and package thefts along the boulevard.

Business Owners Face Rising Insurance and Security Costs

Many small business owners have seen their insurance premiums double over the last two years due to rising property crime rates across the borough. Merchants hope that investing in private patrols will eventually lower their insurance costs while restoring shopper confidence during the evening hours.

"We cannot afford to lose more foot traffic to online retailers or shopping centers in other neighborhoods," said local hardware store owner Charles Rossi. Rossi emphasized that keeping the commercial strip clean, well-lit, and safe is essential for the survival of independent family-owned stores.

Public Safety Initiatives Align with Broader NYPD Efforts

The private patrol program is designed to complement, not replace, existing NYPD community policing efforts. Local precinct commanders have welcomed the business group's initiative, noting that private security officers can act as additional "eyes and ears" in the neighborhood.

This push for localized security mirrors other public safety discussions taking place in Queens, including the community response to the unsolved Queens senior shooting which has kept local residents on high alert. Business owners are hopeful that a coordinated safety strategy will help revitalize the local economy and create a more welcoming environment for everyone.

Next Steps for the Business Safety Coalition

The Merchant Association plans to evaluate the effectiveness of the patrol program after a ninety-day trial period, utilizing merchant feedback and precinct crime data. If successful, organizers hope to secure city grant funding to expand the patrols to additional commercial side streets.

In addition to the patrols, the association is working with local property owners to install high-definition security cameras that feed directly into a centralized monitoring network. The goal is to create a comprehensive safety shield that protects both businesses and shoppers around the clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the private safety officers authorized to make arrests?

No, the private safety officers are not police officers and do not have arrest authority. Their primary role is to act as a visible deterrent, assist shoppers, and report any suspicious activity or active crimes directly to the NYPD.

How is the private patrol initiative being funded?

The program is currently funded entirely through voluntary contributions from participating merchants who belong to the Ozone Park Merchant Association. There is no direct tax impact on local residential property owners.

Can residents report quality-of-life issues directly to the safety officers?

Yes, residents can approach the patrolling officers to report non-emergency issues like broken streetlights, graffiti, or blocked sidewalks. The officers will log these issues and coordinate with the merchant association to file official reports with the city.