Roumeliotis, who lives in Queens, spent many years in “patrol precincts,” where the primary function of officers wasn’t a specialty like narcotics or vice, but simply patrolling the streets and making sure that law and order prevailed.
“I worked in a very heavy patrol services bureau,” Roumeliotis noted, suggesting the return of the long forgotten ‘beat cop.’
“I am very proud of that, and believe in the work of the men and women who wear the uniform every day,” he continued. “I also think that cooperation with the public is important.”
Roumeliotis had an opportunity to see that cooperation firsthand when attending the 45th Precinct National Night Out event in Co-op City, shortly after taking on his new role.
“I am looking forward to meeting not just police personnel, but the community as well,” he said to residents at the event. “Working together, we can stop crime.”
Roumeliotis, who took over the captain’s role upon the shake-up of commanding officers in the Bronx that occurred early this month, said that the reason he became a police officer years ago was simple: he strongly believes in public service and enjoys working with people.
Roumeliotis began his career at the 34th Precinct in Washington Heights, and then worked at the 25th Precinct in East Harlem, before getting his first assignment in the Bronx as a member of the 47th Precinct.
After a stint on the Upper East Side at the 19th Precinct, where he was executive officer, he became a coordinator at the chief of patrols, his last stint before coming back to the Bronx.
A captain for over five years, Roumeliotis, a happily married father of two children, became commanding officer of the 45th when Captain William McSorley, who had been at the precinct for a little less than a year-and-a-half, assumed the helm at the 48th Precinct.
Roumeliotis did not discuss exact details of what to expect during his tenure with the 45th Precinct, waiting to talk further with his officers and community leaders before deciding on his plan of action. However, he appeared optimistic about what was to come.
“From what I hear, this is a great community with a great precinct,” he said. “I’m excited to be working at the 45th Precinct and I want to just make sure I focus on doing a good job here.”
