Inspector Joseph Dowling is moving on from his post as commander of the Bronx’s 52nd Precinct. But first, he will introduce his replacement, Nilda Hofmann, at tonight’s Precinct Community Council meeting at St. James Episcopal Church (2500 Jerome Ave., across the street from Monroe College), which starts at 7 p.m.

Dowling’s departure falls right into the traditional window of two to three years that NYPD commanders stay at a given precinct — the general idea being that short-term stints will limit the possibility of corruption or stagnation. Dowling took over in the Five-Two for John D’Adamo in March of 2011.

D’Adamo only lasted about 17 months in the position and was replaced by Dowling soon after D’Adamo’s wife was caught lying to Clarkstown police officers about being the victim of a robbery. D’Adamo was also linked to (but never charged in) the Bronx ticket fixing scandal.

After replacing the charismatic D’Adamo, Dowling has quietly gone about his business — being visible and showing up to important meetings and events, working with other law enforcement agencies to make some big busts in high-crime areas and avoiding scandals.

Last year, violent crime in the area dropped drastically. This year has seen a return to form in one of the Bronx’s biggest and toughest precincts. Murders, shootings and felony assaults in the Five-Two are all on the rise, compared to last year’s numbers.

Hofmann will step in and try to combat those numbers.

Below is the announcement sent out to the 52nd Precinct Community Council about the change in leadership:

As a valued partner of the NYPD, the Community Affairs Bureau would like to inform you about a change in the management team at your local precinct.

 

After serving as the Commanding Officer of the 52nd Precinct, Inspector Joseph Dowling has been given a new assignment as the Adjunct with the Patrol Borough Bronx. Replacing Inspector Dowling will be Deputy Inspector Nilda Hofmann.

 

Deputy Inspector Hofmann was appointed to the New York City Police Department in October 1990, and began her career on patrol in the 43rd Precinct. She was promoted to Sergeant in April 1998; Lieutenant in December 2003 and Captain in April 2008. She has served in the 43rd Precinct, Patrol Borough Bronx Task Force, 23rd Precinct, Patrol Borough Bronx, and 44th Precinct. Deputy Inspector Hofmann previously served as Executive Officer of 42nd Precinct.

 

Deputy Inspector Hofmann holds a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology from the City University of New York John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

 

Community policing is core component of the NYPDs methodology and you can be sure that Deputy Inspector Hofmann will work diligently to build on the efforts of his predecessor.

 

Thank you for your continued support and partnership with the New York City Police Department.