The Second Precinct Monthly Community Meeting was held on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at the South Huntington Public Library.
Deputy Inspector Read opened the meeting discussing some key recent events:
Narcan Training at Huntington Hospital was being held on the same night as tonight’s Community Meeting
The 2nd Precinct Detectives arrested two individuals involved in multiple purse thefts from shopping carts at area businesses
On the recent shootings, he assured everyone that they were unrelated, we have already made an arrest for one and we are actively pursuing several leads in the others
The recent National Night was a great success, thank you to all who participated
He announced the retirement of Inspector Brady
Community Questions, Complaints and Compliments
Youths loitering behind the Big H Shopping Center at night?
911 Operators not always professional
Commercial vehicle traffic on W. 18th St. between N.Y. Ave. and West Hills Rd.
Speeding on Bellerose Ave. East of Larkfield Rd.
Public intoxication issue on Depot Rd
Neighborhood Watch, are we going to hold more meetings?
Police should be more proactive and more engaging with the public
Questions were raised regarding housing issues, code enforcement and town ordinance changes
Was the ShotSpotter test successful?
Patrol Checks, one resident said a patrol check helped with their complaint
Community Survey
Please take a moment of your time to complete a community survey to help us continue to improve our service to you! The survey can be accessed on the Suffolk County Police Department website by following the link below or copying and pasting the following web address:
http://apps.suffolkcountyny.gov/police/survey.htm
Deputy Inspector Read thanked everyone for coming and reminded the group that the next community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Second Precinct
The Second Precinct Monthly Community Meeting was held on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at the Second Precinct.
Several representatives for local elected officials were in attendance.
The Huntington Community First Aid Squad Leaders presented Inspector Brady with a Certificate of Appreciation for his “Dedication and Support to the Community”
Community Questions, Complaints and Compliments
Speed enforcement in the area of 338 Woodbury Rd, Cold Spring Harbor
Complaint of Dirt Bikes & Motorcycles speeding mornings and evenings in the area of
Depot Rd & Lynch St, Huntington Station
Questions were raised regarding Criminal Mischief to Mailboxes in the Commack / E. Northport area
Mr. McGoldrick mentioned to the group that Inspector Brady was retiring this month and he thanked Inspector Brady for the good work he has done of the community.
Upcoming Events
Please join us for a free night out with food, entertainment, giveaways plus much more at the National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Manor Field Park, East 5th St, Huntington Station.
Community Survey
Please take a moment of your time to complete a community survey to help us continue to improve our service to you! The survey can be accessed on the Suffolk County Police Department website by following the link below or copying and pasting the following web address:
http://apps.suffolkcountyny.gov/police/survey.htm
Inspector Brady thanked everyone for coming and reminded the group that the next community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 7 p.m. at the South Huntington Public Library
The Second Precinct Monthly Community Meeting was held on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at the South Huntington Public Library.
Several representatives for local elected officials were in attendance.
Guest speaker: Police Officer Moira Larmour, SCPD Emergency Management Section
Presentation Key Points included:
Homeland Security
Terrorism Awareness
Critical Infrastructures
Emphasis on the “IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING” motto
Please click on the link to view the Safeguard New York brochure
Community Questions, Complaints and Compliments
Speeding, Stop Sign and Traffic Complaints:
Melville Rd
Oakwood Rd
Woodbury Rd
Park Ave. & East Main St
Reverend Bernadette Watkins, Yvette Benitez and the Tri CYA members of the Think, Feel and Choose Peace Rally presented the 2nd Precinct with a card thanking them for all of the gifts they donated.
Upcoming Events
Car Seat Inspection and Installation event hosted by the Huntington Manor Fire Dept., Sunday, June 20, 2015. By appointment only, see the attached flyer for details.
Community Survey
Please take a moment of your time to complete a community survey to help us continue to improve our service to you! The survey can be accessed on the Suffolk County Police Department website by following the link below or copying and pasting the following web address:
http://apps.suffolkcountyny.gov/police/survey.htm
Inspector Brady thanked everyone for coming and reminded the group that the next community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the Second Precinct
The 2nd Precinct Monthly Community Meeting was held on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at the Second Precinct.
Several representatives for local elected officials were in attendance.
Guest speaker: Barry Zaks, Project Director for the Huntington Drug and Alcohol Counseling Center
Key Points included:
An overview of treatment services available
No one ever gets turned away, no waiting
Most insurance is taken
Adults who do not have medical coverage will be given affordable fees based on a sliding scale
Services for youths ages 12 – 18 are free of charge
Spanish speaking staff on premises
Group, Individual and Family counseling available
Barry Zaks discussed how he participated in a Drug Awareness and Narcan Training at the Cinema Arts Center on May 7, hosted by Tracey Edwards and the Suffolk County Police Department’s 2nd Pct.
Inspector Brady added that the event was very successful with over 200 people trained and approximately 100 Narcan kits distributed
Inspector Brady started the meeting by thanking 7-Eleven for providing coffee, water and rolls for the community meeting. 7-Eleven franchise co-owner John Milazzo was in attendance and announced the grand re-opening of his second store on 128 East Main St, Huntington on May 30, 2015 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. He invited everyone to attend the grand re-opening. They will be providing free food and drinks and will have raffles and prizes.
Community Compliments and Complaints
A community member brought up the Zombie House issue and asked what is the process for reporting.
Community members were told to have neighbors bring these houses to our attention and to the attention of the Town and the town will secure the premises.
Jim McGoldrick mentioned that he has been working with some elected officials and some banks in an attempt to procure financing to fix up Zombie houses for returning veterans.
Community concerns were raised regarding public safety on Jericho Turnpike when car carriers are delivering vehicles to car dealerships. Many times the carriers park in the center of Jericho Turnpike or along the shoulder when unloading vehicles causing dangerous and unsafe conditions.
Inspector Brady assured community members that we would be visiting auto dealerships along Jericho Turnpike to resolve this issue.
Numerous residents complained of multiple traffic, speeding and code enforcement issues and requested more enforcement and police presence.
W 18th St. & West Hills Rd.
Oakwood Rd. & Hawthorne Rd.
Heckscher Park
Questions were raised regarding 2 recent incidents occurring at 90 Tanyard La., Huntington.
Inspector Brady reassured community members that these incidents were not random acts, the location was specifically targeted.
A question was raised regarding recent arrest statistics.
Sgt. Saar from the 2nd Pct. Gang Unit stated that in April the Gang Unit made approximately 50 arrests on approximately 70 different charges. (Arrests may include, but are not limited to individuals with gang affiliation)
Jim McGoldrick thanked Inspector Brady for all of the work that has been done in Huntington Station and he stated the community is seeing positive changes. He also stated that he has been in contact with CVS representatives and CVS is considering installing cameras at the Depot Rd. & Pulaski Rd. location.
Upcoming Events
June Margolin mentioned that the South Huntington Public Library will be hosting a Neighborhood Watch Youth Workshop (ages 12 and up) on June 3rd from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Presentations will be given by the 2nd Pct. COPE unit.
Inspector Brady thanked everyone for coming and reminded the group that the next community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 7 p.m. at the South Huntington Public Library
The 2nd Precinct Monthly Community Meeting was held on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at the South Huntington Public Library.
Several elected officials and/or their representatives were in attendance.
Guest speaker: Dr. Michael Caplan, Suffolk County Chief Medical Examiner and Eowyn Corcrain, Histologist with the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office.
A presentation entitled, ‘The Pathway of Substance Abuse: A Road to Death’ was given and a question and answer session followed.
Key Points included:
The pathway to drug abuse begins with alcohol, marijuana and prescription drug use.
Dr. Caplan stated that Medical Examiners are finding that in drug related fatalities, most are some form of polysubstance abuse (multiple addictive substances).
D/Inspector Read stated that many negative situations we encounter as a police department and a community is rooted in substance abuse, such as car accidents, family discord, non-automotive accidents, employment issues, etc. D/Inspector Read went on to state that substance abuse in general is a huge problem. He believes viewing marijuana as a harmless drug is very wrong because it generally is a gateway drug that often times ultimately leads to heartache and death. A short discussion followed regarding indicators of substance abuse.
Many individuals unfortunately become substance abusers after being prescribed pain killers and other medicine after an injury.
Inspector Brady discussed the Suffolk County Police Department’s Operation Medicine Cabinet. This program which is county wide provides a safe method for cleaning out your medicine cabinet and safely disposing of expired or unwanted prescription medications, keeping your seniors, children, pets and environment safe. Drop off is completely anonymous and is available at each Suffolk County Police Precinct 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Inspector Brady introduced Michele Martines, representative for Councilwoman Tracey Edwards. Michele Martines discussed an upcoming event at the Cinema Arts Center which is a partnership between Councilwoman Edwards, the Town of Huntington Youth Bureau and the Suffolk County Police Department. The event includes a Michael DeLeon film entitled ‘An American Epidemic on Long Island’ and Narcan Training provided by the Suffolk County Police Department on May 7, 2015 @ 7 p.m. Please click on the link below for more information.
Inspector Brady then opened the meeting to community questions, concerns and comments.
A community member commented on Officer Mark Collins release from the hospital and on how the police department is doing a great job.
Jim McGoldrick congratulated Inspector Brady and Joe Rose from the Town of Huntington on the progress on the ‘5 corners’ and stated, “It is coming together”.
Jim McGoldrick suggested having some type of outreach for the Hispanic community at St. Hugh of Lincoln Church. Inspector Brady responded, stating this is already in the works, Officer Delgado and Officer Fiorillo have already set a date for the end of May to present a ‘Let’s Talk Event’.
Numerous residents complained of multiple loitering, traffic, speeding and stop sign issues and requested that more enforcement be done and more summonses written.
E 9th St
Melville Rd near Wells Place
Woodbury Rd near Donovan Dr
Darby Dr, Turner Pl & Eddy Dr
Parking lot behind Panera Bread and Petsmart
Inspector Brady assured the residents that he would increase patrols and increase enforcement in these areas.
Councilwoman Berland offered to help with several resident concerns and asked that they call her directly to discuss them further.
Inspector Brady mentioned that the Police Department has a great relationship with the Town of Huntington Highway Department Superintendent Peter Gunther and Huntington Town Hall and there is always great cooperation.
Inspector Brady thanked everyone for coming and reminded the group that the next community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the 2nd Precinct.
The 2nd Precinct Monthly Community Meeting was held on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at the 2nd Precinct.
Several elected officials and/or their representatives were in attendance.
Guest speaker: Tawanna, from Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (VIBS), gave a presentation regarding Elder Abuse. Some of the services they provide include assisting elders in obtaining Orders of Protection from Family Court along with providing counseling for elders. She can be reached at 631-360-3730 and at advocacy@vibs.org .
Additionally, Officer Angela Ferrara shared a presentation explaining the Elder Abuse laws and informed the attendees of scams that may target the elderly. Huntington Town Councilwoman Susan Berland mentioned several services provided by the town that assists the elderly. It was then discussed how community members should be aware of the different scams that are currently targeting the elderly. Officer Anthony Iadevaio shared a recent incident where he assisted a community member who was scammed into believing one of her family members was under arrest and she had to provide his bail using a pre-paid card money card. In this incident Officer Iadevaio was fortunately able to recover the victim’s lost money which totaled over $5,000.
Mr. James McGoldrick thanked the precinct for the current work they have been doing in the Huntington Station area but also added that he believed additional manpower was needed on the Pulaski/Depot Rd area. His concern was with the congestion of day laborers in that specific location. Inspector Brady explained the current use of officers at that location and expanded on what constitutes a violation of the loitering law. Insp. Brady explained than in addition to impeding traffic, a person must also refuse to move to be considered to be loitering. It was mentioned that a local church runs a mobile program that feeds the homeless in the area and that this may be what is creating congestion on the neighborhood street corners. Town Councilwoman Berland offered to speak with the church to see if this program could be run on-site. Councilwoman Berland also added that we should keep in mind that these day laborers came here for a better life and should not be construed as criminals.
A suggestion was given by an attendee to establish a Taskforce comprised of community members and officials to work on a long term solution to the day laborer issue. Insp. Brady stated that Town Councilwoman Tracy Edwards is managing the Huntington Leadership Counsel and he will speak with her about forming this sub-committee.
Rev. Willie Perez mentioned two businesses in the Huntington Station area that he believes may be creating problems in the neighborhood. Insp. Brady stated that he will be looking into those locations.
Councilwoman Berland advised everyone in attendance that more street lighting has been added to the area around Depot Rd and that lights that were not working have been fixed. A map showing the changes was shared at the meeting. Click on the link Depot Area Lamp Upgrades Map.pdf for a larger view of the map.
Inspector Brady advised the residents of an incident which was posted on Facebook that was brought to his attention. This post made reference to an incident where a man was supposedly assaulted and the police did not arrest the offenders. Insp. Brady explained that the complainant in this incident refused to press charges, which is why no arrest was effected. He reminded everyone that Facebook is not always a credible source of information.
Mr. Steve Levine shared with the group the legal issues with using day laborers for public works jobs and how many contractors cut corners in hiring these men and ultimately victimizing them. He mentioned that the emphasis should be on educating these men in an effort to keep these men from becoming victims.
A resident mentioned that some of these issues being discussed are not necessarily police matters and fall out of the purview of the police department.
Inspector Brady reminded everyone that the next 2nd Pct. Community Meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. at the South Huntington Public Library.
The 2nd Precinct Monthly Community Meeting was held on Wednesday February 11, 2015 at the South Huntington Public Library.
Elected officials in attendance
Guest speakers: Janice Talento and Lisa Rappa from Drug Free Long Island
They announced an upcoming collaboration with the 2nd Pct. where community members will be able to become Narcan trained and be educated on drug and alcohol abuse.
Inspector Brady highlighted some recent significant arrests, which was received by the audience with a round of applause.
Search warrant executed on Rutgers La, Greenlawn that resulted in drug and firearms seizures and the arrest of 8 individuals, including 4 gang members.
Burglary arrest and foot pursuit in West Hills. Officer Timothy Driscoll ran and extended distance through the woods and the snow to capture the individual and make a great arrest.
Lodge Avenue, Huntington Station deception burglary arrest where a concerned and alert neighbor who cared about his community noticed two men going up to an elderly neighbor’s house with a pick axe and eventually entering. Thinking this was odd and out of the ordinary, he called 911 and when police arrived an arrest was made. This same individual was arrested last year for a similar incident.
Inspector Brady discussed how we speak on a regular basis with Town of Huntington personnel, including Code Enforcement and Dominick Verrone. We have spoken extensively on licensed premises within the town, we work together on search warrants, fire codes, state liquor authority (SLA) checks, arrests that have occurred, etc. We have always had cooperation between the town and police and a continuous communication.
Dominick Verrone stated that he is meeting with stakeholders in the community to learn more about the issues of the community and that we will continue to work together and communicate openly with each other.
Inspector Brady discussed how we have increased patrols in and around the five corners and made 7 arrests last week. We have also executed numerous SLA checks in that same area.
Inspector Brady stated that we added 2 additional officers to the gang unit and have 2 plain clothes focusing their efforts on the five corners.
Inspector Brady responded to a community concern regarding keeping the seniors in Huntington safe by suggesting getting referrals and proper ID from home health aides that are hired, having the seniors secure their valuables including bank documents and jewelry and stopping by unannounced to visit your aging relatives who are being cared for by aides.
Inspector Brady responded to question regarding how many Spanish speaking officers we have in the Precinct. He stated we have approximately 12 Spanish speaking officers in the precinct and we also have the Language Access Plan (LAP) which provides a phone with dual handsets in every precinct and various sector cars throughout the precinct also have cell phones with special translation capability.
Below is a link to the LAP – Language Access Plan from the Suffolk County Police Dept. website:
http://apps.suffolkcountyny.gov/police/documents/lap.pdf
Inspector Brady provided the following information on the SCPD exam:
The Suffolk County Police Department is offering an entrance examination on June 13, 2015 (last filling date April 1, 2015). Candidates must be between the ages of 19 and 34 on day of exam. Up to six years of age is deducted from the maximum age for qualified military service. Register online at:
Inspector Brady also encouraged Spanish speaking individuals to apply.
A question was raised regarding Citizens Academy.
Inspector Brady responded by asking Matt Harris, a recent graduate of the Citizen’s Academy, how he felt about his experience. Mr. Harris responded by stating, “I highly recommend it.”
The Civilian Police Academy is an award-winning educational program designed to expose community members to police policies and procedures. The goal of this course is to improve communication between the police and the public we serve. This course consists of 16 sessions, one session per week, between 6:30 and 9:30pm, at the SCPD police academy on the campus of Suffolk Community College in Brentwood. The next session starts March 4, 2015. For additional information contact: PO Mitch Savino @ 631-853-7064 or email: mitch.savino@suffolkcountyny.gov
A question was raised regarding how we are engaging the Latin community.
Inspector Brady replied by discussing the recent precinct wide events that Officer Claudia Delgado and Officer Drew Fiorillo are organizing for the Hispanic community. Most recently they hosted an event for the South Huntington School District where over 200 Hispanic individuals attended to learn about the laws, their rights and the resources that the Suffolk County Police Dept. has to offer. Some examples of some of the topics discussed are:
SCPD are not Immigration officers.
There is no corruption in the SCPD, unlike in countries they may be familiar with.
Being undocumented does not matter if you are a victim of a crime, you will receive the same police service as if you born in the US.
You will not be deported for reporting crimes, problems, or concerns you might have.
Always carry ID.
What to do when stopped by police.
Landlord Tenant Laws
Police Exam
LAP
Officers Delgado and Fiorillo have organized many of these presentations and have many scheduled for the future.
The community members raised a concern regarding more light fixtures and brighter lighting down Depot Rd, Huntington Station.
Councilwoman Berland stated the town is working on it and it is being handled by Mr. Stephen McGloin form the Town of Huntington Transportation and Traffic Safety Dept.
In closing, the general consensus of the community members in attendance was the concern for additional patrols, additional cameras and additional lighting for the 5 corners.
Inspector Brady concluded by stating that these issues are being worked on in collaboration with the town and he asked for anyone with any viable solution to any community issue to please contact the 2nd Precinct.
Inspector Brady reminded everyone that the next Second Precinct Community Meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Second Precinct.
The 2nd Precinct Monthly Community Meeting was held on Wednesday January 21, 2015 at the 2nd Pct.
PD in Attendance: Insp. Brady, D Insp. Read, D Insp. Lewis, D/Lt. Burke, Lt. O’Callaghan, Lt. McGreevey, Sgt. Saar, Sgt. Fives, Officer Ferrara, Officer Fiorillo
Elected officials in attendance: Councilwoman Susan Berland
Presentation by Deputy Inspector Lewis, Major Crimes Bureau:
Gave an overview of the Homicide Squad make up and how they respond as a team consisting of 1 D/Sgt and 7 Det’s to a homicide. 1 lead detective and 6 other detectives assisting him.
Stated 500 deaths a year in Suffolk. 30 Murders and 470 other deaths (suicide, overdose)
Town of Brookhaven has the most over dose deaths.
Processing a homicide scene takes time. Must ask who, what, where, when, why, and how.
Uniformed officers on the outside to secure the crime scene, detectives on the inside working the scene.
Other units called out to assist homicide include but are not limited to the D.A. office, ID Section, Crime Scene, Crime Lab, M.E. office, and the Command Post.
Detectives will separate and interview many individuals. Goal is to apprehend the suspect and a successful prosecution in court.
Questions for Deputy Inspector Lewis
Concern: Is the Sarah Stroebel homicide still an active investigation?
Response: Yes
Concern: Can Nixle be used to inform the public of crimes that just occurred?
Response: Yes Nixle is used to disseminate information, however by the time you receive the Nixle the incident would be under control.
Concern: Can information posters of Sarah Stroebel be made for merchants?
Response: It is an active investigation.
Insp. Brady displayed a graph showing violent crimes in Huntington Station from 2001-2014.
Crime index is for reported crimes.
Precinct initiatives assisting in crime reduction.
Constant ongoing communication with the town, regarding public safety.
Explained in detail the shot spotter system and the activation near Matt Harris’ house.
Discussed that the police annex is not fiscally efficient.
More cameras that the Hunt. Station BID can put up the better.
Community Concerns:
Concern: We understand the graph states arrests are up and crime is down but we do not feel safer despite the numbers.
Response: We are here to help and assist you in any way.
Concern: What is the total # of guns taken off the street?
Response: Unknown, we will get that information for the next meeting.
Concern: Problems in the vicinity of Folsom, Northridge, and Henry.
Response: Call 911 when an incident is occurring.
Concern: How many arrestees are back on the street? Why do the courts release them?
Response: Unknown how many arrestees are back on the street. The courts have a process that we must follow.
Concern: Are the car beak ins in Commack connected to a robbery pattern?
Response: Unknown, but there is a progression in crimes committed by heroin addicts.
Concern: The Puca family is now living on Brompton Pl., causing problems and selling drugs.
Response: Call 911 when an incident is occurring, we don’t know about it if it isn’t reported.
Concern: What is being done with the homeless situation? How do you force them to go?
Officer Ferrara Response: Explained the outreach efforts that are in place between the SCPD, DSS and the family service league.
Next community meeting is scheduled for February 11, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. @ the South Huntington Library.
