Crime in Hempstead Final Piece Transcript

(00:00)-There were 2,600 criminal offenses in Hempstead in 2007 and that many projected for 2008. 15 % of the criminal offenses have been related to drug activity. (00:10.60)

(00:10.67)-We started the Terrace-Bedell Initiative. The Hempstead Police Department partnered with the District Attorney’s office. Kathleen Rice is the District attorney. We brought in a program that was specifically designed to reduce crime on Terrace Avenue and Bedell Street. (00:28)

(00:28.07)-Terrace Avenue and Bedell Street have been the center of substance abuse and crime. Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice works with the community to combat it helping people with drug problems get off the streets. (00:40)

(00:40.07)-Drugs can be purchased and sold any time of the day right out there on the street of Terrace and Bedell. So we have worked with the community to get rid of the open air drug market and to work with some of the individuals who are selling drugs turn their life around. (00:56.87)

(00:56.93)-The initiative Rice is talking about offers dealers and users educational services and other mediums of advancement providing they do not engage in criminal activity. This could create a small but effective decrease in crime. (1:08.80)

(1:10.27)-Economics show that if we can drive the demand down, we can affect the supply side. So if we can drive customers away, theoretically there won’t be as many dealers. (1:21.74)

(1:23.20) District Attorney Kathleen Rice feels that drugs sparked in the Terrace and Bedell area with the increase in violent crime. Now, violent crime and drugs have been coupled together. With the help of the initiative, law enforcement will be able to eliminate both drugs and crime over time. (1:37.13)

(1:37.20)-There were problems that were chronic problems that were specific to this very area. There was very active drug dealing going on and the result in violent crime that happens where you have a lot of drug dealers in one area selling their drugs. (1:52.13)

(1:52.20)-As of right now, projections show a five and a half percent increase in crime in the coming months. I’m Rich Forestano, Nassau News. (1:59.80)