Following his State of the County address, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine was back out in the field on April 9th as per usual, and joined by one of his foremost partners in crime prevention: Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina.
Given the success of the Fall 2024-implemented “Street Takeover Task Force” designed to combat drag racing and vehicular recklessness countywide, the pair announced an extension of the pilot program.
Since its inception, the task force has issued more than 3,300 summons, arrested 21 and impounded 34 vehicles, Catalina noted. The program will be extended through at least the summer.
On the broader topic of distracted driving, Catalina also revealed the addition of 9 officers to the County’s Highway Patrol Bureau. This “will allow us to put another car on the LIE [Long Island Expressway] and Sunrise [Highway],” said the Commissioner. Such increases police presence on these highways by 33 and 25 percent, respectively.
“It’s going to add to what we have out there already,” said Catalina. “Everyone is going to feel safer.”
Additionally, all recruiting classes henceforth will complete advanced training in “drugged driving” prevention. Catalina cites an increased use of cannabis since its New York legalization as a key factor.
Amidst “Distracted Driving Month,” Catalina implores drivers everywhere: be mindful.
“You pick up a phone, or a sandwich… if you’re not paying attention to the road, you’re putting yourself and others in danger,” he said. “Don’t do it.”
Adds Catalina: “Choices have severe consequences. If you’re texting and driving and, God forbid, you hurt someone badly… jail, maybe even prison. You’re going to pay the price.”
Romaine seconded all of Catalina’s notions, outlining that “we cannot smoke cannabis and drive because it decreases our reaction time.”
On the increased police presence, Romaine assured Suffolk County’s highway officers are “out there to protect the public, make sure that everyone is driving safely, and taking care of business—which means paying attention to the road, and not being distracted and not being disoriented.”