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Brooklyn Heights Precinct Captain Takes Over Bushwick Command

By Gwynne Hogan | February 17, 2017 11:46am | Updated on February 20, 2017 9:45am
 After two and a half years heading up the 83rd Precinct, Inspector Maximo Tolentino (right) left his post Thursday. He'll be replaced by Deputy Inspector Sergio Centa (left) from the 84th Precinct.
After two and a half years heading up the 83rd Precinct, Inspector Maximo Tolentino (right) left his post Thursday. He'll be replaced by Deputy Inspector Sergio Centa (left) from the 84th Precinct.
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DNAinfo/Gwynne Hogan

BUSHWICK — The captain of the Downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights precinct will take the helm in Bushwick, replacing a commanding officer who's been at his post since 2014.

Deputy Inspector Sergio Centa, who's dealt with issues like teen brawls on the waterfront promenade, replaced Inspector Maximo Tolentino on Thursday, the NYPD confirmed.

Captain Roberto Melendez from East New York's 75th Precinct will be promoted to take over Centa's 84th Precinct post in Downtown Brooklyn, according to police.

The 84th Precinct is a considerably calmer precinct than Bushwick's 83rd, with 38 percent less major crimes last year, according to NYPD statistics.

Tolentino, who served in Bushwick since August 2014, bid residents farewell at meeting of the neighborhood's clergy council Wednesday and later at a community board meeting.

"I am completely indebted to Bushwick and to you guys," Tolentino said, adding that if you spot him on the streets, "Don't extend a hand. I want you to extend a hug."

Tolentino was transferred to a position at the Information Technology Bureau, police confirmed.

In the two and a half years Tolentino has been at the precinct, he's presided over a 12 percent decrease in major crimes overall, most notably a dramatic drop in burglaries from 2015 to 2016.

In 2015, Bushwick topped the city with the highest number of burglaries.

Last year there were 154 fewer in 2016 year, crime statistics show.