Testimony: Intro. 1883 (Annual NYPD Security Inspections of NYCHA Buildings)
Victor Bach
The Community Service Society believes that NYCHA residents stand to benefit from independent, outside inspections of conditions in their buildings and grounds. In that sense, the NYPD annual building inspections of safety and security systems proposed in Intro 1883 might help focus NYCHA management attention on safety and security defects for which it bears responsibility. But this kind of increased police presence in NYCHA buildings is one that resident leadership—particularly the Citywide Council of Presidents (CCOP)—needs to weigh in on before Intro 1883 moves forward. In addition, the bill does not go far enough. We recommend several changes that would make it more effective and more resident-friendly.
NYCHA Security Problems are Widespread
We are aware of the many resident concerns about safety in their buildings—unlocked doors, nonfunctioning intercom buzzers, unlit stairwells, and the like—that make them vulnerable to intruders. A 2018 report by NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer uncovered widespread problems with insecure NYCHA doors. In 2021, our annual Unheard Third Survey of Low-Income New Yorkers showed that 60 percent of NYCHA residents found “properly working elevators, door locks, buzzers or intercoms” were a serious problem. Over a third (34%) considered it a very serious problem. About half (50%) found “feeling safe in the hallways and public areas” a serious problem, and more than a fifth (22%) considered it a very serious problem.
Recommended Changes in Intro 1883
Intro 1883 provides for annual police inspections of every NYCHA building and details the range of security concerns that need to be assessed in the process. But it does not require that an NYPD inspection report—findings and recommendations—be prepared following each building inspection. The required quarterly reports to the mayor, the council speaker, and the NYCHA chair contain only information about the number of NYPD inspections conducted. As a result, the substantive information collected by the NYPD is not communicated to parties who might address the problems. An inspection that goes unreported does no good.
CSS recommends that the Committee give Intro 1883 further consideration before moving it forward. We recommend the following changes:
- NYPD inspections should be conducted only upon prior approval by the resident association. Resident leaders should decide whether the increased police presence is a good idea.
- Police inspections should be unannounced, so that buildings can be inspected “as-is”, without giving NYCHA staff advance notice. There have been problems with federal inspections when advance notice is given.
- Each building inspection should result in a written NYPD report on its assessments and recommendations.
- The resident association should have an opportunity to review and comment on the NYPD report before it is finally filed. Resident comments should be included in the report.
- Inspection reports should be submitted to the mayor, the council speaker, and NYCHA. It should also be made available to residents on request, so that they have a documented record of conditions.
- NYPD needs to develop an inspection protocol in collaboration with appropriate experts. NYPD inspectors need to be adequately trained to carry out the protocol.
- The bill should specify that all costs associated with the inspection process, including training-related costs, come out of the NYPD budget.
- NYPD inspectors should be unarmed.
Broader Issue: NYCHA Separation from Local Code Enforcement
Intro 1883 is well-intentioned, but the issues it addresses only skim the surface of much broader issues concerning NYCHA accountability and responsiveness to the devastating conditions many residents struggle with daily. Like any landlord, NYCHA must also comply with local housing, building, and health codes. In our view the problem stems from the fact that NYCHA residents are denied access to the local code enforcement system—to the 311 Citizen Service Center for complaint documentation and referral to HPD or DOB for follow-up and possible inspections, and any resulting orders to correct violations. This system is available to any tenant in a private multiple dwelling. A NYCHA resident who calls 311 to register a housing complaint is told to contact the NYCHA Call Center. As a result, what happens in NYCHA stays in NYCHA. In addition, NYCHA is exempt from having any discovered violations listed in the public data bases maintained by HPD and DOB. Any private tenant can check these websites to obtain information on building violations cited and whether they are outstanding. There is no comparable record for NYCHA buildings.
It is time that NYCHA and its residents were recognized as an integral part of the city, rather than a separate enclave. NYCHA residents should have full access to the city’s local code enforcement system. The question of overseeing NYCHA conditions and enforcing local housing and health codes goes well beyond what NYPD security inspections can contribute.
Thank you.