Halberstam Sworn in as Chair of NYPD Hate Crime Review Panel

By COLlive reporter

Jewish community activist Devorah Halberstam of Crown Heights was reappointed Honorary Commissioner of Community Safety at the New York Police Department (NYPD) and given an additional leadership position as Chair of the NYPD Hate Crime Review Panel.

Halberstam was sworn in by NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea at a ceremony held on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in the Office of the Police Commissioner in Police Headquarters.

In attendance were Chief of Department Rodney Harrison, Chief of Community Affairs Jeffrey Maddrey, Chief of Personnel Martin Morales, Chief of Brooklyn South Brian Conroy, Executive Officer of Brooklyn South Deputy Chief Ruel Stephenson, and Executive Officer of Brooklyn South Inspector Norman Grandstaff.

Joining them were also Commanding Officer of the 71st Precinct Inspector Joseph Hayward, Commanding Officer of Community Affairs Deputy Inspector Richie Taylor, PBBS Community Affairs Lieutenant Ira Jablonsky and 71 Precinct Community Affairs Officer Mike Baratta.

Following the swearing-in, Commissioner Shea thanked Halberstam for her work for many years for the NYPD and New York City.

“I want to thank you so much for the work that you’ve done, for the friendship, and for the work on many fronts, and especially the Hate Crimes Panel,” Commissioner Shea said.

“Chairing that panel for us is really monumental for this department, for this city, and it’s incredibly important. I think it’s going to really move this department and this city forward.”

The recent rise in antisemitic and anti-Asian attacks in New York and around the country highlighted the importance of the new civilian-led Hate Crime Review Panel which Halberstam will be chairing. Its goal is to help police officers identify potential hate crimes. Halberstam has years of experience battling domestic terrorism and hate in New York City and beyond.

“I’m honored and humbled as I accept this position as Chair of the Hate Crimes Review Panel,” Halberstam told COLlive. “As hate crimes continue to escalate and affect our way of life, I hope we will make a difference in our review process. It is a tedious process and a huge responsibility as our Board begins its work.”

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