The 10th Precinct is a primary law enforcement command within the New York City Police Department (NYPD), serving the Chelsea and Hudson Yards neighborhoods of Manhattan. Located at 230 West 20th Street, it provides essential services including emergency response, crime reporting, neighborhood coordination, and domestic violence support for residents and businesses within its jurisdiction.
While various cities like Detroit and Minneapolis have a "10th Precinct," the term most frequently refers to the NYPD’s 10th Precinct in Manhattan. This command is unique because it manages one of the most diverse sectors in New York City, ranging from the high-density commercial hubs of Hudson Yards to the historic residential streets and art galleries of Chelsea. As of 2026, the precinct continues to emphasize the Neighborhood Coordination Officer (NCO) program, which bridges the gap between police officers and the community members they serve.
Geographic Boundaries and Jurisdiction
Understanding the exact boundaries of the 10th Precinct is crucial for residents and business owners to ensure they are contacting the correct local authorities. The 10th Precinct covers a significant portion of Manhattan’s West Side, characterized by a mix of residential housing, industrial zones, and major tourist attractions.
The jurisdiction of the 10th Precinct is generally defined by the following boundaries:
- Southern Boundary: West 14th Street.
- Northern Boundary: West 29th Street.
- Eastern Boundary: Seventh Avenue.
- Western Boundary: The Hudson River.
This area encompasses several iconic New York City landmarks, including the southern portion of the High Line, the Chelsea Market, and the rapidly expanded Hudson Yards complex. Because these areas attract millions of tourists annually, the precinct must balance the needs of permanent residents with the safety of a massive transient population.
The precinct is bordered by the 6th Precinct to the south (Greenwich Village), the 13th Precinct to the east (Stuyvesant Town/Gramercy Park), and the Midtown South Precinct to the north. Residents living on the border streets, such as 7th Avenue or 14th Street, should be aware of which side of the street they reside on to determine their specific precinct assignment.
Core Services and Public Assistance
The 10th Precinct is more than just a base for patrol officers; it is a service hub for the community. In 2026, the NYPD has streamlined many of its administrative processes, but the precinct station house remains the primary point of contact for several critical functions.
Filing Police Reports
For non-emergencies, individuals can visit the 10th Precinct station house to file a report. This includes incidents such as petty larceny, lost property, or minor vehicle collisions where no injuries occurred. While many reports can now be initiated through the NYPD’s digital portal, certain crimes, particularly those involving physical evidence or sensitive investigations, require an in-person statement at the precinct.
Lost and Found Property
Property recovered within the boundaries of the 10th Precinct is processed through the precinct’s property clerk. If you have lost an item in Chelsea or Hudson Yards, you should contact the precinct’s property office directly. You will typically need to provide proof of ownership and a valid government-issued ID to reclaim items.
Collision Reports
Drivers involved in a traffic accident within the 10th Precinct’s borders can obtain a copy of the MV-104AN (Police Accident Report) at the station house. As of 2026, these reports are also accessible through the NYPD’s online collision report retrieval portal for a nominal fee.
The Neighborhood Coordination Officer (NCO) Program
A cornerstone of the 10th Precinct's operational philosophy is the Neighborhood Coordination Officer (NCO) program. This initiative divides the precinct into distinct "sectors," each assigned a dedicated team of officers who remain in that specific area for their entire tour.
The goal of the NCO program is to foster familiarity between the police and the public. Unlike traditional patrol officers who respond to calls across the entire precinct, NCOs are meant to be problem-solvers who address persistent local issues, such as recurring noise complaints, specific traffic safety concerns, or neighborhood disputes.
Identifying Your Sector
The 10th Precinct is typically divided into three primary sectors:
- Sector A: Generally covers the southern portion of the precinct near 14th Street and the Meatpacking District border.
- Sector B: Focuses on the central Chelsea residential and gallery district.
- Sector C: Covers the northern boundary, including the high-rise developments of Hudson Yards and the 29th Street corridor.
Residents can attend "Build the Block" meetings, which are held quarterly in each sector. These meetings allow community members to speak directly with their NCOs in an informal setting to discuss safety trends and quality-of-life concerns.
Specialized Units and Community Support
The 10th Precinct houses several specialized units designed to handle complex issues that require more than a standard patrol response.
Domestic Violence Unit
The Domestic Violence (DV) Unit at the 10th Precinct provides confidential assistance to victims of intimate partner violence, elder abuse, and child abuse. DV officers work closely with the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) to connect victims with shelters, legal aid, and counseling services. They also assist in the service of Orders of Protection and conduct follow-up visits to ensure the safety of survivors.
Community Affairs Bureau
The Community Affairs officers serve as the liaison between the precinct's commanding officer and local community boards, business improvement districts (BIDs), and religious institutions. They are responsible for organizing community events, youth programs, and safety presentations. If a local business is experiencing recurring issues with vandalism or theft, the Community Affairs unit often provides a security survey to recommend preventative measures.
Detective Squad
The 10th Precinct Detective Squad handles the investigation of serious crimes, including robberies, burglaries, and felony assaults. Unlike patrol officers, detectives focus on long-term investigations, forensic evidence collection, and the apprehension of suspects after an initial report has been filed.
Public Safety Comparison: 10th Precinct and Neighbors
To understand the 10th Precinct's workload and focus, it is helpful to compare its jurisdiction with neighboring Manhattan commands.
| Feature | 10th Precinct (Chelsea/Hudson Yards) | 13th Precinct (Gramercy/Stuy Town) | Midtown South (Times Sq/Penn Station) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Land Use | Mixed Residential/Commercial/Arts | High-Density Residential | High-Density Commercial/Tourism |
| Major Landmarks | High Line, Chelsea Market | Union Square (partial), Gramercy Park | Penn Station, Madison Sq. Garden |
| NCO Sectors | 3 Main Sectors | 4 Main Sectors | Specialized Transit/Commercial Sectors |
| Primary Safety Focus | Nightlife, Gallery Security, Pedestrian Safety | Residential Burglary, Park Safety | Retail Theft, Transit Crimes, Crowd Control |
| Station House Location | 230 West 20th Street | 230 East 21st Street | 357 West 35th Street |
This comparison highlights the unique challenges of the 10th Precinct, which must navigate the "quiet" residential atmosphere of historic Chelsea alongside the massive commercial influx of the Hudson Yards development.
Accessing Records and Permits
Navigating the administrative requirements of the NYPD can be complex. In 2026, many permits and records are centralized, but the 10th Precinct remains a vital verification point.
Certificates of Good Conduct
If you require a "Police Clearance" or a "Certificate of Good Conduct" for employment or international travel, these are not issued directly by the 10th Precinct. Instead, you must visit the NYPD Criminal Records Section at One Police Plaza. However, the 10th Precinct can provide guidance on the application process and necessary fingerprinting services.
FOIL Requests
Under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), the public has the right to request certain police records. While the precinct does not process these requests on-site, they can provide the necessary forms or direct you to the NYPD’s Legal Bureau. FOIL requests are commonly used for obtaining detailed investigative files once a case has been closed.
Permits for Public Events
If you are planning a block party, a protest, or a film shoot within the 10th Precinct’s boundaries, you must obtain the appropriate permits. Street activity permits are generally handled through the Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO), but the 10th Precinct must review and approve the safety plan to ensure it does not unduly disrupt traffic or emergency vehicle access.
Public Safety Tips for Residents and Visitors
Given the 10th Precinct’s role in managing high-traffic areas, the NYPD suggests several area-specific safety measures for those in Chelsea and Hudson Yards.
- Nightlife Safety: The 10th Precinct contains numerous bars and nightclubs, particularly near the Meatpacking District. Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid leaving drinks unattended, and use well-lit routes when walking home late at night.
- Package Theft Prevention: As a high-density residential area, "porch piracy" or package theft from lobbies is a common concern. The 10th Precinct recommends using secure lockers or requiring signatures for high-value deliveries.
- Bicycle and E-Bike Security: With the proximity of the Hudson River Greenway, bicycle theft is a recurring issue. The precinct offers a free "Bicycle Registration" program where a serial number is engraved on your bike frame, making it easier to recover if stolen.
- Grand Larceny Awareness: In commercial areas like Chelsea Market and Hudson Yards, pickpocketing and "unattended property" thefts are the most frequent crimes. Always keep bags zipped and never hang purses on the back of chairs in restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the 10th Precinct located?
The station house is located at 230 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011. It is situated between 7th and 8th Avenues in the heart of Chelsea. The station house is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for emergency assistance and reporting.
How do I find out who my Neighborhood Coordination Officer (NCO) is?
You can identify your specific NCO by visiting the NYPD 10th Precinct official webpage and entering your address into the "Find Your Precinct and NCO" tool. This tool will provide the names and direct email addresses of the officers assigned to your specific block.
Can I report a noise complaint directly to the 10th Precinct?
For ongoing noise complaints (such as a loud neighbor or a construction site), the most effective method is to call 311 or use the 311 app. This creates a formal record that is dispatched to the precinct. For an immediate, one-time noise emergency that requires police intervention, you may call the precinct directly, though 311 is the preferred channel for non-emergencies.
Does the 10th Precinct offer fingerprinting services for employment?
The 10th Precinct generally does not provide civil fingerprinting services for the public. Individuals requiring fingerprints for job applications, licenses, or background checks should contact authorized private vendors or the NYPD’s License Division, depending on the specific requirement.
How do I get a copy of a police report for insurance purposes?
If the report was filed at the 10th Precinct, you can request a copy in person at the station house. You will need the "Complaint Number" or "Aided Number" provided at the time the report was made. Most insurance companies will also accept the electronic version of the report if it is available through the NYPD’s online portal.
Recommended Next Actions
If you live or work within the 10th Precinct, your first step should be to identify your NCO and sign up for the precinct’s community newsletter. Attending a "Build the Block" meeting once a year is an excellent way to stay informed about local crime trends and safety initiatives. For any immediate danger to life or property, always dial 911. For administrative questions or to follow up on an existing report, you can call the 10th Precinct desk at (212) 741-8211.
