Community Safety + Policing

What problem would you like to solve?

Over policing, lack of access to community resources (Bathrooms, water) Liaison between community communication between all these groups beach goers, home owners, police, etc.

Why is it important to solve? Why is it relevant for the community?

Riis Beach is the only safe beach for queer + trans folks, increase in policing that we have seen, that has a direct material impact. Hospital demolition planned + organizing the safest way that’s swift

What idea do you have to address the problem?

Developing communication safety groups, helping provide safety resources, bathrooms (physical station + possibility for flag system) to show partnering with groups. Communication between queer beach goers, homeowners + police improvements, Bathroom single stalls, changing stalls. Wheelchair ramps to water. Host bystander intervention workshops on the beach.

For community members that want to be part of the safety group or have a flag as a civilian safety member, they need to have training and know which situations are appropriate for them to intervene (eg: white folks shouldn’t be interfering with black community matters unless it is to provide line of defense if police/ homeowners are engaged) provide them with bystander intervention training on the beach.

For volunteers that are physically stationed on the beach as community safety guards, they need to have some sort of pension to sustain the program. Could be paid or have some incentive because it can be physically + mentally exhausting or traumatizing.

Physical stations should provide: Shade, Water, First Aid Kit and a place to sit.

Water fountains closer to the queer section will also keep people safer.

Training + Language capabilities other than English.
Who would that help?

The community - Queer, police + homeowners in the area

What NYC borough would benefit from your idea?

Queens