NYPD Watch Tower Arrives Outside Rochelle’s on Chrystie Street
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For the second time within a few weeks, the NYPD has wheeled out its watch tower on the Lower East Side. The one in Tompkins Square Park last month drew criticism as a response to heightened coverage of homeless in the local papers. Its tenure was short-lived (yet long enough) at a mere seven days.
While not quite as polarizing, the corner of Chrystie and Stanton now sports its own “tower of fun.” A surveillance unit was placed yesterday at the doorstep of nightlife venue Leave Rochelle Out of It.
There has been no official explanation behind the presence of this surveillance unit. One cop on the street noted it was there to monitor the traffic situation. Doesn’t seem believable. These towers are usually installed due to crime in the vicinity. Problems at Rochelle’s?
The 5th Precinct was not immediately available for comment.
These towers are basically a show of power – much like the equestrian patrol in Hell Square – but maybe not as effective as police on proper patrol.
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