Introduction to the Q-Team
The NYPD’s new Quality of Life unit in Brooklyn, known as the Q-team, has made significant strides in addressing quality-of-life issues since its inception in April. With over 10,000 complaints responded to, the unit is now set to expand citywide, bringing its unique approach to tackling everyday problems to all corners of New York City.
What Do the Q-Teams Do?
The Q-teams have been trained to handle a wide array of issues, including derelict vehicles, homeless encampments, smoking in parks, and more. According to NYPD Deputy Chief William Glynn, the teams are designed to address the root causes of quality-of-life issues, rather than just making arrests. "Whether it be double-parked cars, loud music at night, vending, encampment issues, or open-air drug use. It’s really a wide array of things that these teams have been trained to handle and are handling successfully," Glynn said.
Addressing Quality-of-Life Issues
The 60th Precinct, which covers Coney Island, has served as a pilot program for the Q-teams. Since April, the team has responded to over 10,000 quality-of-life complaints, with the majority coming in through 311 and others via 911. While observing the team at work, it was clear that their approach is centered around resolving issues through conversation and education, rather than resorting to enforcement.
amNewYork followed one of NYPD’s new quality of life teams along the Coney Island boardwalk on Thursday as the unit is set to go citywide next month.
Photo by Dean Moses
Discretion and Enforcement
The Q-teams’ approach is built around discretion and a focus on resolving issues through conversation. As Glynn explained, "We have to address the condition and take it from there. Common sense rules the day, the goal is not summonses, the goal is not arrest. The goal is to resolve the issue." This approach was evident in the team’s interactions with the public, where they issued warnings and summonses only when necessary.
Community Impact
The Q-teams’ efforts have not gone unnoticed by the community. Executive Director of Coney Island Alliance Daniel Murphy praised the teams for tackling illegal vending along the boardwalk, which he says takes away from struggling small businesses. "On Stillwell Avenue, there is a guy renting chairs right now who is a disabled veteran. He got the license, he’s got all his paperwork, he’s done his training," Murphy said, adding that others come and take business away from men like him and create clutter.
Expansion and Future Plans
The Q-teams will begin expanding citywide on July 14, starting with Manhattan. As part of their expansion, the teams will continue to focus on building relationships with the community and following up with individuals who make complaints to ensure that issues are fully resolved. "One big emphasis that we’ve really pushed down to the officers on the street and the Q-teams is we want you getting back to the people that are calling us. Only 25% of the 1.5 million calls last year actually left contact information," Glynn said. "We’re going to follow up. We’re going to call these people and ask if we can resolve your issue. And can we do better? Let’s work together to resolve these problems."
Conclusion
The Q-teams’ innovative approach to addressing quality-of-life issues has shown promising results in Brooklyn, and their expansion citywide is a welcome development for communities across New York City. By focusing on discretion, education, and community engagement, the Q-teams are well-positioned to make a positive impact on the daily lives of New Yorkers.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary goal of the Q-teams?
A: The primary goal of the Q-teams is to resolve quality-of-life issues and improve the overall quality of life for the public, rather than making arrests or issuing summonses.
Q: How do the Q-teams receive complaints?
A: The Q-teams receive complaints primarily through 311, with some also coming in through 911.
Q: When will the Q-teams expand citywide?
A: The Q-teams will begin expanding citywide on July 14, starting with Manhattan.
Q: What is the Q-teams’ approach to enforcement?
A: The Q-teams’ approach is centered around discretion and education, with enforcement used only when necessary.
Q: How will the Q-teams follow up with individuals who make complaints?
A: The Q-teams will follow up with individuals who make complaints to ensure that issues are fully resolved and to ask if they can do better to address the issue.
