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Murder rate plummets in 113th Pct. in 2006

By Craig Giammona

Johnson, speaking at the first community precinct council meeting of 2007, said the number of shootings reported in the precinct also dropped to 47 in 2006 compared to 55 in 2005.”It's still too many, but overall it's good,” she said.Johnson also said the precinct seized 95 guns during 2006, though she did not indicate how man had been taken in 2005.Again, Johnson said, “that's 95 too many, but we're working on it.”The 113th Precinct, located on Baisley Boulevard in the shadow of Rochdale Village, covers South Jamaica, St. Albans, Hollis, Springfield Gardens, South Ozone Park, Addisleigh Park and Locust Manor.Overall crime was down slightly in the precinct during 2006 despite small spikes in the number of robberies, assaults and burglaries, Johnson said.Johnson reported that the 113th Precinct is currently on the lookout for three men who travel in a green SUV. The men, Johnson said, are believed to be connected to three recent robberies.Monday's meeting fell on Martin Luther King Day and local students gave readings and performed songs to honor the late civil rights leader.Some top brass from Patrol Borough Queens South were also on hand to announce a new Police Department initiative to give the community councils more direct access to Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.Inspector Timothy Pearson said that in coming months the presidents of eight precinct community councils in Queens South will caucus and elect a president who will then have regular face-to-face meetings with Kelly.”The concerns of Queens South will go directly to the commissioner,” Pearson said, although it was unclear if the meetings would be monthly or quarterly.Pearson said the program will take place citywide, with the precinct councils in Queens North also electing a representative to meet with Kelly.Reach reporter Craig Giammona by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 146.