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The commanding officer of the 34th Police Precinct, Deputy Inspector José Navarro, has been reassigned by the NYPD, despite protests from community leaders and elected officials.
A letter, drafted by 34th Precinct Council President George Espinal, asking the NYPD to reconsider Navarro’s reassignment, had been circulated and signed by over 40 individuals and organizations.
Typically, precinct commanders serve in their post for several years before receiving a new leadership role. Navarro was tapped to lead the 34th Precinct in May of 2010.
“Switching commanders so often is detrimental to this community. Officer Navarro worked very hard to establish relationships with business owners, residents, and organizations to address quality of life, crime and other issues,” said Espinal last week during a phone interview. “It will be difficult for a new commander to establish relationships again, and quickly familiarize themselves with the needs of the community.”
But despite such arguments, the NYPD moved forward with the reassignment.
In Navarro’s stead now is Deputy Inspector Barry Buzzetti, who arrives from the 48th Precinct in the Fordham section of the Bronx.
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