Crown Heights residents got their first chance Thursday night to question police about the alleged beating of a man at the hands of an officer inside a Jewish community center.

The monthly Community Council meeting took place Thursday night at the 71st precinct.

Community leaders were angered over the alleged beating, saying the police response was over the top.

Police told the crowd that Internal Affairs has started an investigation into the incident and that one of the officers involved has been placed on administrative duty.

Rabbi Jacob Goldstein, the chairman of the community board, said Thursday's meeting was a step in the right direction.

"I think the police are doing the right thing in addressing the questions that the community has and that's the right way to deal with the questions at hand," Rabbi Goldstein said.

Police say they received a 911 call on Oct. 8 saying a man was refusing to leave and did not belong in the women's section of the center.

They say 21-year-old Ehud Halevy threatened the officers.

He faces several charges, including assault and resisting arrest.

Jewish community leaders say Halevy did have the right to be there.