Senator Chan's Interns' Visit to CB11 + 62nd Police Precint

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 11, 2025

Brooklyn, NY—On July 16, Senior Advisor Ari Kagan took the interns out of the office and into the heart of the community, visiting both the 62nd Police Precinct and the local Community Board—an eye-opening day that gave them a behind-the-scenes look at how public safety and local government work together to keep neighborhoods safe and connected.

The interns' first stop was the 62nd Precinct, where we were welcomed by Sonia Valentin, the Community Council President, and Officers Nogol and Hunter. They led us on a tour of the precinct, starting with a Q&A session where we asked about the path to becoming a police officer and their personal experiences working in the precinct. The officers spoke about the dedication and training required for the job, as well as the sense of responsibility that comes with serving the community.

The tour took the interns through different areas of the precinct, including the holding cells. Officer Nogol explained how the booking process works and the protocols in place to ensure safety. We also saw a crime statistics board displaying tallies for major offenses such as murder and rape comparing this year’s numbers to last year’s. Encouragingly, overall crime in the precinct was down.

After the precinct visit, the group attended a Community Board meeting with President Marnee Elias-Pavia. She explained that the board is made up entirely of volunteers: trusted members of the neighborhood who are passionate about improving their community. The board addresses local issues, gives input on city projects, and works closely with elected officials to make sure residents’ voices are heard. The interns reflected, said they were impressed by how much time and effort these volunteers dedicate to making the community a better place for everyone.

Ari Kagan said in a statement, 

Strong communities are built by teamwork, police, volunteers, and neighbors working together to keep them safe and thriving. Today we saw that collaboration in action.

The interns walked away with a deeper appreciation for the people who work behind the scenes to keep neighborhoods safe, organized, and thriving. From police officers protecting our streets to volunteers shaping the future of local policy, the interns saw firsthand how collaboration between different groups is essential to building strong, supportive communities.