7 Critical Facts About The NYPD 120th Precinct: What Staten Island Residents Need To Know In 2025

The NYPD 120th Precinct, the central hub for law enforcement on the bustling North Shore of Staten Island, is currently navigating a period of significant leadership and community-focused initiatives. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the precinct remains a vital agency for the diverse communities it serves, from the historic waterfront of St. George to the residential areas of Castleton Corners. The current focus is on enhancing public safety through targeted crime reduction strategies and fostering deeper partnerships with local entities like the Richmond County District Attorney's Office and various community groups. The precinct's operations are crucial for a large segment of Staten Island, covering neighborhoods that are undergoing continuous development and change. With a new Commanding Officer at the helm, the 120th Precinct is emphasizing transparent communication and proactive engagement, ensuring that residents are informed about local crime trends and participating in important safety programs like the "United Against Violence Safe Corridor Walk." This article provides the most up-to-date and essential information regarding the 120th Precinct's leadership, location, and key activities for the current year.

The 120th Precinct's Current Leadership and Operational Profile

The 120th Precinct, often referred to simply as the "120th Precinct SI NY," is responsible for policing the North Shore of Staten Island, a geographically and culturally diverse area. Its operational profile is defined by its strategic location near key transportation hubs, including the St. George Ferry Terminal, and its coverage of both commercial centers and residential neighborhoods.

NYPD 120th Precinct: Key Personnel and Contact Information (2025)

The precinct's leadership is a critical component of its community strategy, with recent changes bringing fresh perspectives to its operations.

• Commanding Officer: Deputy Inspector Eric J. Waldhelm
• Assumption of Command: Deputy Inspector Waldhelm took the reins at the 120th Precinct in June 2024, following a successful tenure at the 121st Precinct.
• Precinct Address: 78 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301
• Main Phone Number: (718) 876-8500
• Community Affairs Unit: (718) 876-8505
• Neighborhood Coordination Unit (NCO): (718) 876-8201

Deputy Inspector Waldhelm's focus has been on continuing the NYPD's commitment to community-based policing, which involves officers working closely with residents to identify and solve local problems. Prior to his current role, Waldhelm's career included service in the Transit Bureau and the 6th and 62nd Precincts.

A Note on Notable Former Leadership

The 120th Precinct has served as a launchpad for high-ranking NYPD officials. Most notably, First Deputy Commissioner Tania I. Kinsella began her executive career as the Executive Officer of the 120th Precinct. Her rise to one of the highest positions in the NYPD highlights the precinct's role in developing top-tier law enforcement talent.

The North Shore Neighborhoods Under the 120th Precinct

The jurisdiction of the 120th Precinct is extensive, encompassing the entire North Shore of Staten Island. This area is known for its blend of older, established communities and new developments, such as those near the waterfront. The precinct provides coverage and services to the following key neighborhoods and areas:

• St. George: Home to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, Borough Hall, and the St. George Theatre.
• Castleton Corners: A primarily residential area known for its local businesses.
• Westerleigh: A quiet, historic neighborhood with a strong community feel.
• Meiers Corners: A central point for local traffic and commerce.
• Markham Gardens: A significant public housing development.
• Fort Wadsworth: A historic military installation now part of the Gateway National Recreation Area.
• Randall Manor and West Brighton: Additional residential and commercial zones.

The precinct's location on Richmond Terrace places it strategically close to the waterfront and the major transportation routes, allowing for rapid response times across its service area. The diversity of these communities means the 120th Precinct must employ a variety of policing strategies, from traffic enforcement on major thoroughfares to neighborhood watch programs in residential pockets.

Recent Community Engagement and Safety Initiatives (2024-2025)

A core function of the 120th Precinct is its community outreach, which has been particularly active in late 2024 and continues into 2025. These efforts are designed to build trust and directly address the safety concerns of Staten Island residents.

1. Partnership for Safe Corridor Walks

In a major effort to combat violence and improve pedestrian safety, Deputy Inspector Waldhelm and the 120th Precinct partnered with the Richmond County District Attorney's Office and the local UFT chapter. This collaboration resulted in a United Against Violence Safe Corridor Walk in 2024. These walks are crucial for increasing police visibility in high-traffic and high-need areas, fostering a sense of security, and gathering direct feedback from the community.

2. The 120th Precinct Community Council

The Community Council remains the primary venue for dialogue between residents and the police. These monthly meetings provide an open forum for discussing local crime statistics, safety concerns, and upcoming initiatives. A notable event in late 2024 was a meeting where the council hosted a presentation by Con Edison on Scam Awareness. This focus on non-traditional crime, such as financial scams targeting the elderly and vulnerable, demonstrates the precinct's commitment to a holistic approach to public safety.

3. Monitoring 2025 Crime Trends

While specific, real-time crime statistics fluctuate weekly, the NYPD provides public data for the 120th Precinct, allowing residents to track trends in major crime categories. The precinct's strategy in 2025 is continually adjusted based on these metrics, focusing resources on areas where specific crimes like grand larceny, robbery, or auto theft show increases. The goal is always to reduce the overall crime rate and improve the quality of life for all North Shore residents.

4. Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCOs)

The Neighborhood Coordination Officer (NCO) model is central to the 120th Precinct's operational philosophy. NCOs are dedicated officers who patrol smaller, specific sectors within the precinct's boundaries, allowing them to become intimately familiar with local issues and build strong, personal relationships with residents and business owners. The NCO phone line (718-876-8201) is a direct conduit for non-emergency issues, bypassing the main precinct desk and ensuring that local concerns are addressed by the same dedicated team.

Topical Authority Entities for the 120th Precinct

The following entities are closely associated with the operations and community context of the 120th Precinct, providing a comprehensive view of its role in Staten Island:

• NYPD (New York City Police Department)
• Staten Island Borough President’s Office
• Richmond County District Attorney's Office
• St. George Ferry Terminal
• Staten Island Advance (Local News)
• Con Edison (Community Partner)
• UFT Chapter (United Federation of Teachers)
• Neighborhood Coordination Unit (NCU)
• Crime Prevention Division
• New York City Council
• Central Family Life Center (Community Group)
• Safe Horizon (Victim Services)
• Emergency Services Unit (ESU)
• Traffic Safety Initiatives
• NYPD School Safety Division
• Deputy Inspector Eric J. Waldhelm
• First Deputy Commissioner Tania I. Kinsella