4^th Precinct Meeting 10-4-2022

4^th precinct Inspector Regina ran the meeting.

President Kevin O’Hare and 2^nd Vice President Lauri Murphy were in attendance.

October is domestic violence month.

The guest speakers for the evening were Keyri Chicas and Elizabeth Gillespi from the Suffolk County Police domestic violence bureau.

Topics included domestic violence does not necessarily need to be between a husband and wife. It can also be between siblings, cousins etc. Domestic violence cases can be handled in family or criminal court.

Elder abuse and animal cruelty are also issues that was also discussed.

They explained the various orders of protection that are available to victims of domestic violence.

It was a very informative presentation.

Inspector Regina spoke about several incidents in the precinct including a threat of mass harm at Sachem North high school. The 4^th precinct detective squad was involved and a 15 year old student was apprehended.

There have been several smash and grab (burglary) incidents. Working together with the 3^rd precinct an arrest was made.

The individual featured on news 12 that had been stealing Halloween decorations in Smithtown has been arrested.

The issue of loud music at night has decreased. Some speakers have been confiscated.

Catalytic converter thefts continue to be a large problem. Hondas are being targeted at an increased rate. Etching kits were distributed in St. James in an attempt to discourage these thefts.

The next community meeting will be held November 1st.

Thanks to Bob Murphy

Data Breach – Regular emails set up in lieu of usage of county emails

** First meeting since June –

• 3 shooting in precinct jurisdiction, 2 arrests made, and believed to be very close on third

• Larceny on vehicles is a problem, “Lock it or lose it” campaign. Catalytic Converters being cut out of cars, began in the industrial areas, but has moved to passenger vehicles. Mostly Honda and Toyota makes. This has become a major concern for all New York Metro Law Enforcement agencies. (Suffolk, Nassau, NYPD, NYST, MTA etc.) The goal is to try to figure out where these exhaust pieces are being sold. It is believed to be out of New York State.

Homelessness is an issue, there is cooperation amongst the MTA, State Troopers, and local agencies to provide assistance for these individuals to improve their situations.

• Part of this was the campaign to map the “Homeless Spots” and the times where people inhabit certain areas. Dowling College is becoming a concern as it is closed down, and there are a number of squatters there.

Outreach with Schools – Coordination from precinct with school districts to formulate “school safety plans.” Tactics in case of an attack (Couldn’t be revealed in this public setting) There was a push for this ahead of the Jewish Holidays.

128 open alcohol and public urination tickets written, 16 DWI arrests, and other moving violations in Patchogue village events over the course of the summer.

Two checkpoints were established over the summer where several more DWI arrests were made. (Nothing specific mentioned as to where they were or when)

Body Cameras will arrive in the 5^th precinct in October. A specific date wasn’t mentioned because of the county issues, it wasn’t exactly known. The cameras auto activate if lights on a police vehicle are activated, or a gun or tazer is drawn.

There will be significant police presence in School Zones. This is because of the beginning of the school year. They weren’t messing around when they were talking about this one. Speed limits were going to be strictly enforced, and there wasn’t going to be courtesy shown.

Thanks to Erich Beck for this report

Dear Alumni Members,

Here are some of the major statistics for the 1st Precinct which held its meeting on September 1, 2022:

2,700 arrests since the beginning of 2022;

30 stolen cars in June 2022;

14 drug overdoses in June 2022;

8 shootings since the beginning of 2022;

4 residential and 3 commercial burglaries in August 2022;

3 search warrants were executed in August 2022,

Stolen cars continue to be a major problem in the Town of Babylon.  As a reminder, be sure to safeguard your car keys and not keep the car running when you exit for a brief period.  Also of concern is the rash of store larcenies in the precinct.

The top summer arrest was on August 18, 2022 at 1 AM in Deer Park.  Four individuals fled from the police and the car flipped over and caught fire.  The driver was pinned against the steering wheel and flames were headed into the passenger compartment.  One of the responding officers of slight build crawled into the vehicle and with the help of his partners were able to pull the man to safety.  The fire caused bullets in possession of the passengers to explode and cause havoc.  The officers in the incident were honored by the Town.

The interesting presentation was made by Inspector Brendan Forte, the 1st Precinct’s new Commanding Officer.  He had more than a dozen officers present to address the concerns of the residents in attendance.  Inspector Forte has replaced former Inspector Kevin Kane who has retired.  

The next meeting at the West Babylon Public Library is October 6, 2022 at 7 PM.  All residents are welcome.

Respectfully,

Justin Cooper, 1st Precinct Coordinator