Community Relations as a Precinct Commander

Due to his success as a commander, Kenneth was assigned to lead the 66th Precinct in Brooklyn. This is an extremely diverse precinct.  It is home to the largest orthodox Jewish population outside of Israel. It also covers Brooklyn Chinatown (which now has an Asian population larger than Manhattan Chinatown) and large Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities. In this position, he managed a staff of approximately 120 officers and 50 non-sworn members.  Ken oversaw all police operations for a four-square mile area where approximately 200,000 people lived and worked.

Being a precinct commanding officer was a valuable learning experience where he grew exponentially as both a police leader and a human being. He learned how to use his natural empathy and communication skills to navigate the numerous trials and tribulations he encountered. Ken found that mentoring officers and supervisors was extremely fulfilling and he also really enjoyed working hand in hand with the community to improve quality of life and reduce crime (during his tenure, major crime was reduced by over 8%). It was an honor and an experience he will never forget.

In the Spring of 2016, disaster struck. It became evident that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was investigating some allegedly inappropriate relationships between several high-ranking police officials and some business men, one of which lived in the confines of the 66th Precinct. (Click here for a news story regarding the controversy). Several NYPD executives were arrested, but none were convicted at trial. Several others were forced to retire prematurely.

Thus, the 66th Precinct found itself in the center of a media whirlwind and much public scrutiny while Kenneth was at the helm. He had the challenging job of maintaining the motivation of his officers during this difficult time.  His message to them was clear. “If you did not do anything wrong, you have nothing to worry about. We still have a community (who also did nothing wrong) to serve and an oath to uphold”. (Click here for an article addressing comments Kenneth made at a public meeting).

Ken also found himself a subject of interest by the FBI. When the investigation was complete, he was not only left unscathed, but his reputation as a leader was strengthened. The Chief of the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau told him it was largely due to his ethical and strong leadership that the NYPD was able to navigate a very difficult moment in its history. Ken was promoted and moved to a prestigious post in the administration and became the Commanding Officer of Employee Relations.