September 8, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

After clearly identifying himself as a police officer, an off-duty cop was attacked recently while trying to make an arrest. The charges against the assailants -- first degree assault and strangulation -- reflect the seriousness of the aggression against him. For there to be public safety, the rule of law and the officers who enforce it must be respected. Fortunately, thanks to the partnership between my office and the NYPD, our streets are becoming safer. We have seen a 54% decline in homicides and a 37.5% drop in shooting incidents compared to the same time last year, declines significantly larger than in the city as a whole. The figures are a testament to the dedication of my office and the NYPD and our commitment to working together to protect you. My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe. In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

Husband admits mowing down wife with SUV, stabbing her; pleads guilty to attempted murder Long Island man charged with murder in shooting death outside St. Albans nightclub Man sentenced to 7 years for stabbing over parking spot

Cold Case

If you have information about Charisse Nelson Davenport and her three family members, who were all killed in Jamaica 20 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form. It is never too late for justice.

New Assistant District Attorneys

My office is proud to welcome 34 new assistant district attorneys whose commitment and dedication to the fair administration of justice will serve Queens well. I look forward to working with them.

Public Safety Town Hall

Council Member Nantasha Williams hosted an important roundtable discussion on public safety, specifically for the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities in her district. On hand were representatives from the NYPD, NYC Commission on Human Rights, NYC Department of Transportation and Department for the Aging.

Woodside Senior Center BBQ

The Woodside Senior Center provides a safe and engaging environment for more than 400 seniors from Woodside, Astoria, and Long Island City. I shared some delightful moments with them during the center's annual barbecue recently. Thank you to Tonya Chestnut, the program director, for organizing such a great event in support of our seniors.

Back-to-School Giveaway

My Community Partnerships Division participated in a back-to-school giveaway to help students get ready for the new school year. More than 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies were handed out to families during the event, hosted by Bangladeshi Humanitarian and Leadership Outreach in Jamaica.