Crime is down in schools once deemed the most dangerous in Brooklyn.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg and NYPD officials announced that major crimes decreased by 57 percent in the city’s nine “impact” schools, three of which are in Brooklyn – Sheepshead Bay, Canarsie and Tilden high schools.
According to city data, Tilden at 5800 Tilden Avenue had the biggest drop in major crimes – 83 percent. Sheepshead Bay at 3000 Avenue X is down 63 percent. And Canarsie at 1600 Rockaway Parkway is down 14 percent.
“Crime in school is down dramatically,” said Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly. “In the case of the schools – dedicated school safety agents teamed with police officers working together with school officials. They have all done great work so children can learn in safety.”
“Safety is a prerequisite to learning in our schools and classrooms. Only when hallways and classrooms are safe and secure can our students concentrate, learn and excel,” said schools Chancellor Joel Klein.
If crime continues to decline at Canarsie, Sheepshead Bay and Tilden, they could ultimately be removed from the “impact” list.
That was the case for several other Brooklyn schools, including South Shore and Lafayette high schools.
After leaving “impact” status, the schools were given time to see if their new designations as “safe schools” would attract students, thereby boosting enrollment. But that failed to happen and the city Department of Education (DOE) decided to phase out the schools and open a series of small schools in each of their buildings.
Phase-out plans have since been implemented at Canarsie and Tilden, as well.
Sheepshead Bay continues to operate in its traditional structure.
