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Read the press release here.

New 41st Precinct Commanding Officer Vows to Tackle Gang and Gun Violence

By Eddie Small | August 28, 2014 8:41am
 Capt. Martine Materasso has been on the force since 2000.
Capt. Martine Materasso has been on the force since 2000.
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DNAinfo/Eddie Small

SOUTH BRONX — The 41st Precinct's new commanding officer is vowing to crack down on an uptick in gun violence and youth gangs in the neighborhood.

"That’s definitely the biggest challenge," said Capt. Martine Materasso. "To get that under control, to make sure the community is safe."

As of Aug. 17, the 41st Precinct had seen a drop in several crime categories this year compared to last, including murders, rapes and robberies. However, shootings were up by 62.5 percent.

"You have to keep a tight lid on it because you don't want it to explode on you," she said.

Materasso, 36, took over at the 41st Precinct about 10 days ago from Deputy Inspector Philip Rivera, who is now commanding officer at the 46th Precinct.

Rivera replaced Deputy Inspector Christopher McCormack, who has moved to the NYPD's headquarters in Lower Manhattan. His exact role there was unclear.

Materasso was born in Williamsbridge but now lives on Long Island. She said she hoped to be a police officer in high school and has been with the NYPD since 2000.

"I wanted to do that, and I never deviated from that," she said.

Materasso began her career as an officer in the 52nd Precinct and has worked in the 43rd, 30th, 47th and 40th precincts as well.

She was promoted to captain in 2011 and said she was excited to take on her new role.

"It’s a great responsibility, and you’re able to make an impact on the community that you're serving," she said.

Materasso is still getting to know officers and community members but said she has received a warm welcome so far.

She described building and maintaining good relationships between police and the neighborhood as a very important area of focus.

Dr. Ian Amritt, chair of Bronx Community Board 2, which the 41st Precinct serves, said that Rivera had been a phenomenal leader and the epitome of courtesy and professionalism. He was confident that Materasso would be able to keep up the good work.

"Rivera set a high bar for her to follow," he said, "and I’m sure that she does have the capabilities and credentials to step in and continue the hard work that he has done."