Comprehensive Guide To The 104th Precinct: Operations, Community Resources, And Neighborhood Safety In 2026
Note: This guide focuses specifically on the New York City Police Department's 104th Precinct, serving central Queens neighborhoods including Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village, and Glendale.
Navigating community safety, local law enforcement resources, and municipal services requires an understanding of how neighborhood precincts operate. The New York City Police Department's 104th Precinct stands as a vital anchor for residents and business owners across central Queens. As urban safety frameworks evolve in 2026, understanding the jurisdictional boundaries, direct points of contact, and specialized community programs of the 104th Precinct empowers residents to engage effectively with local law enforcement and civic leaders.
Jurisdiction Boundaries and Geographic Footprint
The 104th Precinct covers a diverse and densely populated area of Queens, characterized by a mix of residential blocks, bustling commercial strips, and industrial zones. Knowing the exact borders helps residents determine emergency response jurisdiction and community board alignment.
- Northern Boundary: The freight rail lines and Calvary Cemetery areas bordering Long Island City and Woodside.
- Southern Boundary: The Cooper Avenue and Metropolitan Avenue corridors bordering the 102nd Precinct.
- Eastern Boundary: The Van Wyck Expressway and Fresh Pond Road corridors interfacing with adjacent Queens commands.
- Western Boundary: The border with Brooklyn, running near the Kosciuszko Bridge approaches and industrial sections of Maspeth.
Neighborhood Breakdown within the 104th Precinct
| Neighborhood | Primary Commercial Strips | Key Landmarks / Facilities | Transit Hubs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgewood | Myrtle Avenue, Fresh Pond Road | Ridgewood Theatre building, Evergreen Park | M train (Fresh Pond Rd, Forest Ave, Seneca Ave) |
| Maspeth | Grand Avenue, 69th Street | Maspeth Industrial Park, Mount Olivet Cemetery | Q58, Q67, Q47 Bus Depots |
| Middle Village | Metropolitan Avenue | Juniper Valley Park, Christ Church complex | M train (Middle Village-Metropolitan Ave terminus) |
| Glendale | Cooper Avenue, Myrtle Avenue | The Shops at Atlas Park, St. John Cemetery | Q29, Q55 Bus Lines |
Core Operational Units and Specialized Services
Modern precinct policing relies on specialized squads and community-facing officers to address distinct public safety challenges. The 104th Precinct utilizes a structured deployment model designed to handle everything from emergency response to quality-of-life enforcement.
Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCOs)
The NYPD's Neighborhood Policing model divides the 104th Precinct into distinct sectors (often designated by letters like Adam, Baker, and Charlie). Each sector is assigned dedicated Neighborhood Coordination Officers. These officers build long-term relationships with local stakeholders, school administrators, and business associations. Rather than responding strictly to 911 dispatches, NCOs focus on chronic neighborhood issues, traffic congestion around schools, and persistent property crimes.
Youth Coordination and Community Affairs
Youth Officers within the command liaise with local schools, youth centers, and athletic leagues. They run mentorship initiatives and crime prevention workshops designed to steer teenagers away from gang involvement and truancy. Concurrently, the Community Affairs Bureau organizes regular meetings, such as the monthly Precinct Community Council gatherings, where residents can voice concerns directly to precinct leadership.
NYPD 104th Precinct on Twitter: "🚨🚨Excellent job by your patrol ...
Contact Information, Location, and Emergency Protocols
Knowing how and when to contact the 104th Precinct ensures efficient handling of non-emergency issues while keeping emergency channels clear for urgent threats.
- Physical Address: 64-02 Catalpa Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385
- Station House Main Desk: (718) 386-3000
- Crime Prevention Officer: Available via the main desk for home and business security assessments.
- Domestic Violence Officer: Specialized investigators assigned to support victims and coordinate protective orders.
Emergency vs. Non-Emergency Protocol Always dial 911 for crimes in progress, severe medical emergencies, fires, or immediate threats to life and property. Use the direct precinct number or 311 for non-emergency reports, noise complaints, graffiti, or parking violations where there is no immediate danger.
Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Safety Best Practices
Safeguarding residential and commercial properties within the 104th Precinct requires proactive security measures tailored to the unique architectural landscape of the area, which features multi-family brownstones, detached homes, and active retail corridors.
Residential Security Recommendations
- Lighting and Cameras: Install motion-activated LED exterior lighting around entry points, alleyways, and backyards. High-definition security cameras covering stoops and side entrances serve as effective deterrents.
- Package Theft Mitigation: With the rise of e-commerce deliveries, porch piracy remains a frequent opportunistic crime. Utilize secure package lockers, require signature confirmation, or coordinate with trusted neighbors for daytime deliveries.
- Vehicle Hardening: Never leave key fobs inside parked vehicles. Ensure all windows are fully rolled up and valuables are removed from plain sight to prevent smash-and-grab thefts.
Commercial Corridor Safety
Retailers along Myrtle Avenue and Grand Avenue benefit from participating in local merchant associations and connecting directly with the precinct's crime prevention officers. Installing commercial-grade intrusion alarms and maintaining clear sightlines through storefront windows significantly reduces shoplifting and burglary risks.
Community Engagement and Civilian Oversight
Active participation in local civic structures enhances the accountability and responsiveness of the 104th Precinct. Residents have multiple avenues to engage with command leadership:
- Precinct Community Council Meetings: Held monthly, these public sessions allow community members to ask direct questions regarding crime trends, traffic enforcement priorities, and local ordinances.
- Build the Block Meetings: Quarterly meetings hosted by NCOs in specific neighborhood sectors to discuss localized crime data and formulate collaborative action plans with residents.
- Auxiliary Police Program: Local volunteers who undergo rigorous training to assist regular officers with traffic control, community events, and crowd management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What neighborhoods are served by the 104th Precinct?
The 104th Precinct serves the central Queens neighborhoods of Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village, and Glendale. These communities share borders with Brooklyn and are patrolled out of the station house located on Catalpa Avenue.
How can I contact my Neighborhood Coordination Officer (NCO)?
You can contact the NCOs assigned to your specific sector by calling the 104th Precinct main desk at (718) 386-3000 or by visiting the official NYPD precinct website to find direct email addresses for sector cars.
Where should I park or go if I need to visit the station house in person?
The 104th Precinct station house is located at 64-02 Catalpa Avenue in Ridgewood, NY 11385. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood, though visitors should pay close attention to alternate-side parking regulations and local signage.
What is the difference between calling 911 and calling the 104th Precinct directly?
Call 911 for all emergencies, crimes in progress, traffic accidents involving injuries, or fires. Call the precinct's direct number (718-386-3000) for general inquiries, updates on filed reports, or to speak with specialized units like Community Affairs or the Crime Prevention Officer.
How do I report a chronic traffic or speeding issue on my residential street?
You can report persistent traffic hazards or speeding concerns by contacting the precinct's Community Affairs office or by attending the monthly Precinct Community Council meeting to request targeted enforcement from the precinct's traffic safety officers.
Can I request a security survey for my home or small business?
Yes, the 104th Precinct employs designated crime prevention officers who conduct security assessments for local residences and commercial establishments, offering expert advice on locks, lighting, and camera placements.
Conclusion
Community safety is a shared responsibility between residents, local business owners, and the dedicated officers of the New York City Police Department. By understanding the operational scope, jurisdictional reach, and communication channels of the 104th Precinct, community members in Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village, and Glendale can foster a more secure and connected neighborhood. Engaging proactively through community council meetings, utilizing crime prevention strategies, and knowing when to utilize emergency versus non-emergency channels ensures a resilient local environment for the year 2026 and beyond.
