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Council hearing spots gaps in Parks Enforcement Patrol staffing as agencies tout interagency efforts
Summary
At a New York City Council oversight hearing, Parks and NYPD officials described coordinated responses to crime and quality-of-life concerns in city parks while acknowledging persistent staffing shortfalls in the Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP); advocates urged full restoration of budget cuts and hiring of additional PEP officers.
The New York City Council’s Committee on Public Safety convened an oversight hearing to examine the role of the NYPD and New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) in keeping parks safe and accessible, with committee members and witnesses focusing on staffing levels in the Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) and how parks coordinate with NYPD on enforcement and outreach.
Chair Yousef Salam opened the hearing by saying the committee would “examine the role of the NYPD, the Department of Park and Recreations, Park Enforcement’s Patrol officers, and other partners in keeping our parks safe and welcoming.”
In testimony, DPR Commissioner Iris Rodriguez Rosa described PEP’s duties and authorities, saying PEP officers are designated “special patrolmen and New York State peace officers” charged primarily with enforcing park rules, educating the public and addressing quality-of-life offenses. She described PEP patrol methods — bicycle, horseback, car and foot — and support functions including a 24/7 central…
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