2011: Via the NYI Hotline, reports came in of gay men being assaulted between the Stonewall Inn and the New Jersey Path Train.
The NYI Mobilized into the area, quickly discovering that police presence virtually disappeared between 2am and 6am; prime hours, as the Stonewalls closed at 4am.
The team began frequenting in plainclothes, and was able to pinpoint the issue: a small gang was targeting drunk men walking from the bar to the path train.
The team returned with full gear, two-way radio, and longboards and began covering the target area in a fast overlapping grid formation; two teams of two, one on foot, and one on boards. Using only presence and timing, the team was able to fully force the gang out within 2-3 weeks. Violence was not needed.
During this time, the group was approached by current commander Brandon Del Pozo, who privately commended the group and requested their assistance. He distributed missing persons posters and BOLO announcements for fugitives to the NYI coordinator.