Community Safety & Security (CSS) and the Flatbush Shomrim Safety Patrol (FSSP) are embarking on a new initiative to ensure the safety and stability of our community. CSS is an affiliate of the Sephardic Community Federation (SCF), the umbrella public policy organization of the Sephardic community. Jack Cayre is the chairman of this new organization, which formed to help insure the safety of our community by establishing initiatives to help reduce crime. “Recently, we have seen a need in the community for further protection and safety. That is why we took the next step in forming an organization such as CSS. We want to help deter any criminal activity while making sure that the members of the community feel safe once again,” said Cayre.
This new organization has been fortunate to have the backing of Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz, a longtime friend of the community. He has pledged to assist them in any way he can, including working with the organization to obtain funding for security cameras.
The Flatbush Shomrim Safety Patrol was founded in 1991 by Councilman Chaim Deutsch with the support of neighborhood rabbinical leaders. The Shomrim’s volunteers patrol in their own unmarked cars while looking for any kind of unusual activity. On occasion they can patrol for a few hours or possibly even through the night if they are searching for a missing person. While all crimes should always be reported to 911, if community members call the Shomrim hotline number to report unusual activity, they either summon the police, who respond promptly or the Shomrim members arrive quietly at the scene to observe the situation. They have the ability to respond quickly and devote more time to low priority level activities, such as reports of suspicious individuals in the neighborhood.
CSS and the Flatbush Shomrim would like to increase the Shomrim presence in our neighborhood and expand their patrol coverage to the area between Avenues I and Y from McDonald Avenue to Coney Island Avenue.
They are currently seeking qualified individuals who reside in that area to apply to become a volunteer member of the Flatbush Shomrim Safety Patrol. The candidates should preferably be over the age of 20 and have their own car and be on call whenever they are in the neighborhood, both day and night. Once a week, on an assigned night, the Shomrim member will be required to patrol from 10 pm to 2 am.
If you are serious and committed to helping your community and would like to apply, please contact CSS at (347) 781-4679 or by email at CSS@SephardicFederation.org.
