New York Consul General Visits Police Station in Korean Community to Urge Public Safety

Kim Eui-hwan, Consul General of New York (second from left), is taking a commemorative photo with Chief Richard Porto and others at the 109th Police Precinct located in Flushing, New York City.

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Consul General Kim Eui-hwan in New York last week visited the Bayside and Flushing police stations in New York City, the largest Korean American communities in New York State, urging attention to the safety of the Korean community.

According to the New York Consulate General on the 13th (local time), this visit took place on the 9th and 10th amid growing safety concerns among Korean residents due to the NYPD's announcement of a sharp increase in crime rates in the area last year and gun-related incidents targeting Asian Americans nationwide.

At the meeting, Consul General Kim said, "I saw an article that the NYPD's security chief visited Korean business owners in local dining districts to listen to their difficulties," expressing gratitude for the authorities' efforts toward the safety of the Korean community and requesting further attention. He also requested additional deployment of police officers in Korean-dense areas, expanded hiring of Korean officers to overcome language barriers, strengthening of 911 interpretation services, and establishment of a hotline to respond to incidents involving Koreans.

In response, Richard Porto, Police Chief of Bayside 111, stated that they are focusing on crime prevention and will work closely with the Korean community to resolve language issues. Lawron Hall, Police Chief of Flushing 109, also replied that although police resources have been strained due to crime following the pandemic, they have been strengthening police presence in eastern Flushing, a Korean-dense area, and are utilizing in-house interpretation services to overcome language barriers.

Earlier, on the 3rd of last month, Consul General Kim also held a safety meeting with the Fort Lee Police Department in New Jersey. He also met with New York Mayor Eric Adams to request cooperation for public safety in the Korean community. Consul General Kim said, "Following Fort Lee, New Jersey, I was able to meet with security officials in Queens, New York, where many Korean residents live, to convey concerns about the safety of our compatriots and strengthen ties for future cooperation," adding, "We will continue to strengthen our network with local security authorities for the safety of our community."