Police Commissioner Howard Safir today went to the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association offices to meet with the new PBA President Patrick J. Lynch. The purpose of the meeting, according to Lynch, was "to open a dialogue about issues of importance to New York City police officers."

It was the first time in memory that a New York City Police Commissioner visited the PBA offices for a meeting with its president.

"It was a promising first step in the attempt to start communicating on about things like manpower problems, police discipline and the upcoming contract negotiations," Lynch said after the 90-minute conference. "We hope this is the beginning of the end of the somewhat strained relationship that has existed between the commissioner and this union."

The commissioner described the 9:30 a.m. meeting as "cordial and productive" and said the issue of police salaries is "of the utmost importance."

Both sides agreed that meetings between the commissioner and the 27,000-member union would occur monthly.

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