New C.O. Steps Up At 114th Pct.
BY RICHARD GENTILVISO

Captain Paul Vorbeck

A series of abrupt high-level transfers of officers in the NYPD narcotics division under a cloud of suspicion by Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly has resulted in the immediate assignment of 114th Precinct Commander Inspector Brian McCarthy to Brooklyn South Narcotics.

The command changes were announced by McCarthy at the January 22 meeting of the 114th Precinct Community Council. Captain Paul Vorbeck, formerly of the 94th Precinct in the Williamsburg-Greenpoint section of Brooklyn, was introduced as the new commanding officer of the 114th.

Kelly transferred the citywide commanding officer of the Narcotics Division and the commanding officer of Brooklyn South Narcotics, as well as two Brooklyn South captains, after an Internal Affairs investigation charged undercover officers working the midnight shift at Brooklyn South with improprieties. Four officers were arrested, one was suspended and 15 others were put on desk duty. The transfers and allegations were reported in the January 22 Daily News.

Taking his usual place at the dais for the final time, McCarthy said, "It is with a heavy heart that I'm presently assigned as commanding officer of Narcotics Brooklyn South. I want to thank everybody for treating me and my family so wonderfully."

Arriving at the 114th precinct in October 2005, McCarthy was promoted to Deputy Inspector and then Inspector during his tenure. "Most of all," said McCarthy, "I want to thank all of the cops of the 114th."

Vorbeck, an 18-year NYPD veteran, said, "I'm happy to be here, I think it's going to be a wonderful relationship. I love Queens North."

Vorbeck began his career in law enforcement in 1989 with the U.S. Secret Service, but left after one year because, he said, "I'm a New Yorker."

"Losing Inspector McCarthy is like having a family member move to the West Coast because he's done such a great job here," said Vorbeck. "I've looked at some of the stats [crime statistics for the 114th] and they are phenomenal. I want to thank Inspector McCarthy for all he has done for this community."

Vorbeck said he would work to continue to reduce crime and enhance police- community relations. "I assure you, I will spend numerous hours analyzing and implementing to make this precinct one of the best."

"You're getting a really competent and dedicated professional," said McCarthy of his replacement. "I did my best and that's very sincere," he said.

Prior to his announcement, McCarthy honored six officers as November and December 2007 Cop-of-the-Month.

Police Officer Sam Samedy was named Cop of the Month for an arrest in November at 31st Street and Astoria Boulevard. Observing three individuals in a vehicle, Samedy saw what appeared to be stolen property throughout the car in plain sight. With no complainant, Samedy took the initiative to go to three different Eckerd drug stores to check for missing stock.

Samedy was able to determine as a result that approximately $2,000 worth of merchandise had been stolen.

Police Officer Eric Rodriguez was rewarded for his November arrest of a robbery suspect. Armed with only a description, Rodriguez conducted a canvass and apprehended the suspect without incident.

Police Officer Charles Contato was also rewarded for a November arrest.

In December, several stabbings near St. Joseph's school, led police to keep a close eye on the location. Police Officers Winston McDonald and Susan Gomero were awarded for their arrests of two gang members in possession of knives and marijuana.

Police Officer Eynat Naor was also awarded for a December arrest.