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5 Major Ways NYPD's 120th Precinct Is Transforming Staten Island's North Shore In 2025

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The 120th Precinct on Staten Island’s North Shore is currently at the epicenter of a major shift in New York City’s policing strategy, focusing intensely on community engagement and targeted crime reduction. As of late December 2025, the precinct, under its current leadership, has become a model for how hyper-local initiatives can lead to significant public safety improvements, particularly in the historically diverse and rapidly developing neighborhoods it serves.

This deep dive explores the most recent developments, key leadership, and the innovative programs driving safety across St. George, Castleton Corners, Westerleigh, and other vital North Shore communities. The focus is not just on traditional law enforcement, but on a holistic approach that integrates city-wide programs with unique, local solutions to foster a safer, more vibrant Staten Island.

Commanding Officer Profile: Deputy Inspector Eric J. Waldhelm and The North Shore Strategy

The operational success and strategic direction of the 120th Precinct are intrinsically linked to the leadership of its Commanding Officer, Deputy Inspector Eric J. Waldhelm. His tenure, which includes serving as an Inspector at the precinct since June 2024, marks a period of renewed emphasis on community-first policing.

  • Rank and Current Role: Deputy Inspector, Commanding Officer of the NYPD 120th Precinct.
  • Precinct Coverage: Oversees the North Shore of Staten Island, including key neighborhoods such as St. George, Castleton Corners, Westerleigh, Meiers Corners, Markham Gardens, and Fort Wadsworth.
  • Background and Experience: A decorated officer and an alumnus of the College of Staten Island (CSI). His extensive background in the NYPD includes service at the 121st Precinct, the Transit Bureau, the 6th Precinct, and the 62nd Precinct, providing a comprehensive understanding of diverse urban policing challenges.
  • Recent Notable Action: Deputy Inspector Waldhelm was instrumental in securing a new parking agreement for precinct staff, a development he personally referred to as an "early Christmas present," highlighting his focus on officer welfare and operational efficiency.
  • Philosophy: His leadership is characterized by a strong commitment to the Neighborhood Policing Program (NPP), aiming to build trust and long-term relationships between officers and the residents they serve.

The 5 Pillars of the 120th Precinct's 2025 Public Safety Transformation

The precinct’s strategy is a blend of high-tech surveillance, targeted enforcement, and deep community partnership. These five areas represent the most significant, recent developments that are reshaping the North Shore's safety landscape.

1. Dramatic Crime Reduction in Targeted Zones

One of the most compelling pieces of recent data highlights the efficacy of the precinct's focused efforts. In specific "summer violence reduction zones" within the 120th Precinct’s jurisdiction, major crime saw a remarkable decrease of 77% during deployment hours. This statistic underscores the success of highly visible, intelligence-driven policing strategies that are tailored to the North Shore’s unique crime patterns.

  • Targeted Deployment: Resources are strategically deployed to specific high-crime pockets, maximizing impact and efficiency.
  • Overall Borough Safety: Staten Island as a whole maintains the lowest violent crime rate in New York City, at approximately 1.92 per 1,000 residents, a safety profile the 120th Precinct is committed to upholding and improving.
  • Major Felony Trend: Historically, major felony crime on Staten Island has accounted for a smaller portion of the city's overall crime, a trend the current initiatives are designed to continue.

2. The "Block CEO" Program Expansion

The 120th Precinct was selected as one of the key locations for the citywide expansion of Mayor Adams’s "Block CEO" program. This innovative pilot initiative places a dedicated police officer—the "Block CEO"—in charge of a small, defined area to foster a deep, personal connection with residents and local businesses. The goal is to move beyond reactive policing to proactive problem-solving.

The Block CEO provides regular status updates on progress and communicates ongoing efforts directly to the community, creating a transparent and accountable relationship. This program is a critical component of the precinct's Neighborhood Policing model, focusing on quality-of-life issues that often precede more serious crime.

3. Investment in New Surveillance Technology and Infrastructure

In a significant boost to the precinct's technological capabilities, New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton allocated $80,000 for new NYPD cameras, with the 120th Precinct in St. George being a direct beneficiary. This investment in modern surveillance is crucial for:

  • Deterrence: High-definition cameras serve as a powerful deterrent to criminal activity.
  • Investigation: Providing essential evidence for solving crimes and ensuring successful prosecution.
  • Public Safety Enhancement: The cameras are strategically placed in areas identified as needing enhanced monitoring, directly supporting the community's safety goals.

4. Key Partnerships in Community Revitalization

The 120th Precinct is deeply embedded in multiple community and economic development initiatives, recognizing that policing is just one element of a thriving neighborhood. This holistic approach helps address the root causes of crime and disorder.

  • Downtown Revitalization Initiative: The precinct actively participates in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative for Downtown Staten Island, increasing patrol and integrating "Community Policing" initiatives to support economic growth and public safety simultaneously.
  • Youth Engagement: The NYPD partners with organizations like H.E.A.L.T.H. for Youths, Inc., on the North Shore, demonstrating a commitment to positive engagement and mentorship for the next generation of Staten Islanders.
  • Community Council Activity: The 120th Precinct Community Council remains highly active, holding events and outreach sessions, including those focused on preventing scams, to keep the public informed and engaged in 2025.

5. The Historic Headquarters and Its Central Role

The precinct's physical location itself is a key entity in the North Shore landscape. The 120th Police Precinct Station House, located at 78 Richmond Terrace, St. George, NY 10301, is more than just a police station; it is a historic landmark.

The building, an impressive neo-Renaissance style structure, was formerly known as the 66th Police Precinct Station House and Headquarters. Its prominent position in St. George places it at the heart of the North Shore's transportation hub and commercial district, making it a visible and accessible symbol of law enforcement for the entire community. The precinct is open 24/7 for emergency services and public assistance, serving as a constant pillar of safety for the area.

Looking Ahead: A Model for Modern Urban Policing

The current efforts at the 120th Precinct—from the leadership of Deputy Inspector Waldhelm and the deployment of the Block CEO program to the investment in new security cameras and active participation in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative—position it as a forward-thinking model for contemporary urban policing. The precinct’s focus on building durable community trust is essential for sustaining the reported crime reductions and ensuring that the North Shore’s revitalization continues safely and equitably. Entities like Borough President Vito Fossella and District Attorney Michael McMahon continue to support these integrated public safety efforts, solidifying the 120th Precinct's role as a cornerstone of safety on Staten Island.

5 Major Ways NYPD's 120th Precinct is Transforming Staten Island's North Shore in 2025
120 pct staten island
120 pct staten island

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