Police Cracking Down Fourth of July Weekend

The Suffolk County Police Department will once again be stepping up patrols for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend and would like to remind residents of the dangers of using fireworks. 

Suffolk County Police will be patrolling for DWI and BWI offenders on Suffolk roads and waterways. The enforcement effort will include officers from the Marine Bureau, Community Oriented Police Enforcement (COPE) Units, Aggressive Driving Task Force, the SAFE-T (Selective Alcohol Fatality Enforcement) Section, as well as standard patrols, and will include checkpoints at various locations throughout the police district.

Members of the public should remember that while fireworks may offer entertainment, its best left to the professionals. Possession of fireworks by unlicensed individuals is illegal in New York State and residents are asked to report the use of illegal fireworks by calling 631-852-COPS.

“Illegal fireworks may not only seriously harm the person lighting it but also places everyone nearby in danger,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said. “We want everyone to have a safe holiday.”

Suffolk Police Commissioner Richard Dormer addressed the effort to curtail drinking and driving. “The message is clear—if you are going to drink, don’t drive,” he said. “Our officers will be out in full force to take drunk drivers and boaters off the streets and waterways.”