Housing officers face daily dangers, focus on safety for tenants

PASSAIC, N.J. (WABC) -- Officer Randolph Holder policed one of the most dangerous public housing projects in the city.

The Passaic police officers who patrol the various city housing complexes are acutely aware of the NYPD officer's death.

They too are on alert for dangerous situations, but in recent years have been working hard to make these houses safer for everyone.

"We have to be concerned about their safety. And what they see and what they do every day," said Jeffrey Gorley, the Housing Public Safety Director.

Police patrols and answering emergencies at any of the six public housing complexes in the City of Passaic falls on the shoulders of Jeffrey Gorley.

Gorley shared his concerns over the recent killing of NYPD Housing Police Officer Randolph Holder.

"It's devastating to every police department and to every citizen. And it's a sad day for law enforcement," Gorley said.

Dangerous situations can happen anytime, like a former tenant who threatened Passaic Housing officers with a large knife.

Officers shot and wounded the man who still tried to attack them while on the ground.

"We have invested a lot of money into technology and to man hours in curtailing the criminal activity that we have," Gorley said.

There are cameras everywhere that are constantly monitored for illegal activity.

One in a stair well captured what police say was a gun buy. The suspect was arrested.

On another, a 17-year old tenant was seen waving around a large handful of cash. He was arrested and charged with selling drugs. Police found $110,000 in his apartment.

"Unfortunately when you have drugs, you have guns. And with that you have gangs," Gorley said.

That led to a massive drug bust three years ago in the Speer Village complex. Officers in "Operation Brick Oven" arrested and charged 70 people.

"The vast majority of our residents are law abiding citizens. They deserve to live in peace and not to have folks from the outside come in and do their criminal trade," Gorley said.

"I'm afraid if I go to the window, God knows I might catch a bullet. I don't know," said Brenda Robins, a tenant.

"There are still drugs going on which could be more improved," said Laverne Sheppard, a tenant.

Gorley and his officers are still working for greater safety.

"The officers are very community-police oriented. And that has helped a great deal in reducing criminal activity," Gorley said.