Attorney at Law David Perecman commends New York City Police Department Captain Fausto Pichardo for bringing community policing back. NY1 (10.4.13) reported that Pichardo was setting a new standard for police officers in Washington Heights by getting out into the community and “making friends.”

“Relationships needs to be built between the police and the community,” said Perecman. “Officers riding in cars can’t engage as well with members of the community.”

According to NY1, the captain is purposefully getting to know the young people in the community and talk with them. Pichardo was quoted as saying that meeting the community is part of the standard he wants to set “for all of the police officers in the 33rd precinct.”

“When the police and the community share responsibility for keeping the community safe, they may reduce the incidence of crime and improve a neighborhood’s quality of life,” said Perecman. “When there’s trust there are also typically fewer complaints about police harassment or police brutality.”

Pichardo was only 35 when was appointed Commanding Officer of the 33rd.

Individuals who believe they have been victims of a New York civil rights violation including false arrest or police harassment can contact The Perecman Firm at 212-977-7033.

The NY1 article cited is “NYPD Captain Builds Trust One Block At A Time.”