New York City Police Department – 9th Precinct – New York, NY

The Fighting Ninth

East Village Patrol

The 9th Precinct of the New York City Police Department serves a diverse and historically rich section of Lower Manhattan, covering the East Village, Alphabet City, Loisaida, and NoHo. Known by its nickname “”The Fighting Ninth,”” this precinct is responsible for the safety of a vibrant community bounded by East 14th Street to the north, Broadway to the west, East Houston Street to the south, and the East River to the east. The area is known for its nightlife, historic tenement buildings, and significant public spaces like Tompkins Square Park. Officers here address quality-of-life issues, perform community policing duties, and manage the unique challenges of a neighborhood that balances residential quiet with a bustling entertainment district. 👮‍♂️

A Station House with Screen History

The station house at 321 East 5th Street is one of the most recognizable police buildings in the world, thanks to its frequent appearance in television and film. The beaux-arts facade, originally designed by Hoppin & Koen and built in 1912, was famously used as the exterior for the 15th Precinct in the hit series “”NYPD Blue”” and was also featured in “”Kojak.”” While the historic limestone facade remains, the building behind it was completely rebuilt and modernized, reopening in 2007 to provide state-of-the-art facilities for the officers. The restoration preserved the carved “”15th Precinct”” markings on the sidewalk pediment, a nod to the station’s original designation before citywide renumbering in 1929. 📺

Community Engagement

The 9th Precinct is deeply integrated into the daily life of the East Village. The command includes dedicated Community Affairs officers, Domestic Violence investigators, and Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCOs) who work directly with local residents and business owners to solve problems. The precinct covers a mix of public housing developments and luxury apartments, requiring a versatile approach to law enforcement. The station is open 24 hours a day, serving as a safe haven and resource center for the public. 🚔