New York State Senator Eric Adams (D, Brooklyn) will hold a press conference Monday to announce the purchase of bullet proof vests for members of the Brooklyn South Safety Patrol (Boro Park Shomrim). The vests will provide additional protection to the volunteer safety group while it conducts its daily patrols in the Boro Park area. In a seven day period, Boro Park has suffered two separate shooting incidents, one involving a bank robbery and the latest resulting in gunshot injuries to four members of the Boro Park civilian patrol group.
NYS Senator Eric Adams told YWN : “I visited one of the injured patrol members in the hospital; we must do everything we can to protect these brave men who put themselves in harm’s way to protect us from danger. A bullet proof vest cannot guarantee safety, but it may save a life.
“The Boro Park safety patrol is named Shomrim because that word is the Hebrew for guardians; the individuals who comprise the volunteer civilian safety patrols are true stewards of their community, serving as vigilant eyes and ears for the residents and working in conjunction with the NYPD to promote a secure neighborhood environment. The Shomrim risk their own security in their valiant effort to protect their fellow citizens, and I hold its members in the highest esteem.”
At the press conference, Senator Adams will display a sample vest that will be purchased for the group.
(YWN Desk – NYC)
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7 Responses
that was fast!thanks eric. refuah sheleima guys.
How about training on when and how to approach someone? Bullet proof vests do not make someone superman.
I usually do not post comments on these stories, but I feel after seeing this I really feel I should speak up.
I think that this is a wrong idea, to give bulletproof vests to shomrim members. I agree that it will make them safer, true, but I also think that it will make them act with even more disregard for personal safety.
As much as I love shomrim for what they do everyday to keep our city safe, I do NOT agree they should be risking their lives in any way to do so. They are not trained to take down dangerous criminals…as their badge says, “SAFETY PATROL”. The job of a safety patrol is to work in conjunction with the police…not to try to do the job of the NYPD.
I think these bulletproof vests will give them a false sense of confidence when approaching a potentially dangerous suspect. Instead of giving these vests out, I think that shomrim members should receive training how to do their job as a SAFETY PATROL (listen,follow, and report to the police)and not to try to be a hero.
I am not their wife, relative, son or nephew…but I really do care for them, and appreciate their hard work. However, correct me if I’m wrong, but it does seem they are trying ever harder to act the part of the NYPD.
Please…do not put yourself in harms way, and please- do not rely on these vests in any way.
Thank you.
I agree with Astonished. Go back to the original story and see my post there. I believe that Shomrim would be more effective and safer if they’re a limited civilian patrol. Vests will just higher their profile and put them (and the community) into jeopardy. For example: Vest wouldn’t spare all of those injured at last weeks shooting. The members that were shot in the neck or hand would be wounded regardless, even with a vest. Criminals know to aim for body parts which aren’t covered, such as the head, hands or legs. The police department uses vests for extra resources in addition to their weapons and training. Shomrim members will only become more confident and can Ch”v take the next incident to leave us with casualties.
How about this-
Disband the Shomrim. Now. It’s clear they are poorly trained and are nearly getting murdered.
Incorporate them into the Police Auxiliary. Train them well. Test them and certify them as police officers. Put police uniforms on them and have them work as extensions and part of the NYPD. Give them actual powers of arrest and ticketing.
There is the political support for this. It will happen. Now, make it happen.
wow thoughtful comments, guys. i take back my earlier post and agree fully with rav baruch.
Subject: Shomrim North London (Stamford Hill) & North West Comes to the rescue of the NY Shomrim.
The North & North W. Shomrim Sent over to New York to the Boro Park and Williamsburg Shomrim Stab and Balistic Proof Vest. Shomrim here in London have the Balistic Proof Vest over 2years after a high crease of Knife and Gun Crime in the area of Stamford Hill which is in the borough of Hackney, London one of Britain’s well non guns and knife Danger Zoon.
Shomrim and Police feel the safety precaution that are taken in action are Extremely taken care of in the best way possible so safety is First.
As well a representative of Shomrim In London Stamford Hill And North West division has been last night and today to Bikur Cholim The Victims of last weeks incident in Hospital. Dose anyone have more information on this one.