Suffolk law enforcement agencies honored

The Suffolk County Legislature honored Suffolk’s Police Department, Sheriff’s Department and Probation Officers at its Tuesday, May 16 general meeting in Riverhead. The law enforcement agencies were recognized for their efforts in protecting public safety during National Police Week. Legislators took a moment to remember and honor those officers who died serving, and pledged to support and help those who continue to serve.

The Suffolk County Police Department has strength of around 2,450 sworn Officers, with 1,648 Police Officers making it one of the largest police agencies in the country. In addition to officers, the department also employs 523 civilians, as well as nearly 490 school crossing guards. The department has a total of seven precincts and numerous specialized units.

The Suffolk County Probation Department serves in a dual role of community protection and client assistance. The protective role entails community supervision of offenders and investigation of offenders prior to sentencing by the Court, and the client assistance role provides services to deal with family and community disputes.  The department provides public safety through supervision, treatment, planning and prevention. Suffolk County Probation Officers are peace officers with dual responsibilities of public safety and rehabilitation. Their ultimate goal is to stop the cycle of crime and prevent offenders from having future criminal justice involvement.

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office has strength of around 1,200 people, including 914 Correction Officers, 259 Deputy Sheriffs and 127 civilian personnel. The Sheriff of Suffolk County is the highest ranking Law Enforcement Officer in Suffolk County. The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for patrolling and investigating all crimes committed on county-owned property, has a countywide DWI Enforcement Team, operates a Domestic Violence Bureau, has an Emergency Management Section and several specialized sections including K-9, Marine Patrol, Dive Team, Mountain Bike Unit, All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) Unit, Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT), Honor Guard, Air Support Unit, Grants Bureau, and operates two Suffolk County correctional facilities.

“Our law enforcement officers have an important and difficult job,” stated Legislator Kate Browning, Chair of the Public Safety Committee. “From protecting our citizens from dangerous individuals, reducing recidivism through alternatives to incarceration or overseeing the most violent criminals in our jails, they put their lives on the line every day in order to make our communities safer. The legislature was proud to recognize all that they do and thank them for their service.”