Police to Increase Holiday Patrols

Suffolk County Police will be cracking down on drunk driving during the Thanksgiving holiday, officials announced on Wednesday.

County Executive Steve Levy and Suffolk County Police Commissioner Richard Dormer said in a release that the department is planning enhanced patrols that will focus on removing drunk and aggressive drivers off our roads and keeping shoppers safe on Black Friday.

From Thanksgiving through through New Year’s Day, the department will step up patrols targeting drivers who are intoxicated or impaired. Emphasis will also be placed on enforcing laws pertaining to safety belt use, distracted driving and cell phone usage while driving and officers will exercise zero tolerance for these violations. The department will also focus on high visibility patrols and enforcement in downtown bar areas and other licensed premises that attract large crowds.

Patrols will also be enhanced at downtown communities, malls and shopping centers on Black Friday to ensure safe conditions during this high-volume shopping day. Supplemental foot, bicycle and vehicle patrols will be assigned to these areas, with particular attention focused on major shopping malls and shopping centers containing large box stores.

The Special Patrol Bureau will assign Canine and Emergency Service Section teams to patrol different shopping centers. Supplemental patrols will also be dispatched to events where large crowds are expected to gather, including tree and menorah lighting ceremonies and holiday parades.

“We want people to enjoy the holidays both when they are shopping and out celebrating,” Levy said. “The enhanced patrols are aimed at keeping our residents safe during the holiday season.” 

“These enhanced patrols are put into place to ensure all of Suffolk County’s residents and visitors can enjoy their holiday season,” Dormer said. “Members of the Suffolk County Police Department will be out in force to create a safe atmosphere both on the roads and in the downtown communities.”