Suffolk County Police Department Newsletter

Suffolk County Police Department Newsletter

July 2010
Welcome to the July edition of the Suffolk County Police Department newsletter. With summer in full swing and Fourth of July festivities upon us, we believe it appropriate to review a few “warm weather- related topics.”
NON-EMERGENCIES REQUIRING A POLICE RESPONSE

During periods of severe weather, major incidents or disasters, it is essential that you do not call “911” unless it is a true emergency. Emergency lines must be kept clear for those calls that are absolute emergencies. For non-emergency police response, always dial (631) 852-COPS (2677).




FIREWORKS

People everywhere are fascinated by fireworks, but as dazzling as fireworks can be, they are also dangerous, if not deadly, when used improperly. Fireworks, unless possessed or used by authorized people, are also illegal in New York State. The Suffolk County Police Department enforces all statutes relating to fireworks, with laws carrying penalties up to four years in jail and a fine of up to $5000. Please help ensure a safe and pleasant summer for all by participating only in lawful fireworks displays and by reporting people unlawfully using or possessing fireworks to (631) 852-COPS (2677). Anonymous information regarding the unlawful sale of fireworks can be reported to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS (8477). Rewards may be available and you can help spare someone serious injury or death!




UNDERAGE DRINKING: SUFFOLK COUNTY’S SOCIAL HOST LAW

Underage drinking is a significant problem across the nation and Suffolk County is not immune. Suffolk County’s Social Host Law is designed to reduce underage drinking gatherings during which an adult allows minors to drink alcohol or alcoholic beverages. In short, this law applies to any adult, including parents, who knowingly allow consumption of alcohol by any person under the age of 21 at a residence that an adult owns, rents or otherwise controls, and fails to take reasonable corrective action upon learning of the consumption of alcohol by minors. The Social Host Law is strictly enforced by the Suffolk County Police Department and provides for penalties of up to $1000.
Please note many other NYS laws make it a crime to engage in unlawful conduct with persons under the age of 21. These laws prohibit the sale of alcohol to persons under 21, the purchase of alcohol for persons under 21, as well as engaging in conduct that endangers the well-being of persons of a protected age. Persons may also be held civilly liable for their unlawful involvement with a minor who suffers injury, as well as for a minor’s actions that result in another person’s injury or loss.
Illegal consumption of alcohol by minors should be reported immediately to (631) 852-COPS (2677). Information regarding future parties where alcohol or other substances will be unlawfully consumed can be called in anonymously to 1-800-220-TIPS, or “texted in” by texting “SCPD” and the message to “CRIMES” (274637). Tips can also be emailed to www.tipsubmit.com. Rewards may be available!



COMING EVENTS
Swim for Survival Program: The Suffolk County Police Athletic League is again offering its Swim for Survival instructional program, which teaches basic water survival skills to children ages 5 through 10 with no prior swimming experience. Participants in the program attend four 45-minute sessions, held each Thursday at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue. Sessions begin July 8 and are held at either 5 or 6 p.m. (select one). For more information, please call (631)852-6109.

2010 Summer Lacrosse Camp: The Suffolk County Police Athletic League is pleased to announce the availability of the 2010 Summer Lacrosse Camp. This camp, which will be held July 19 through July 22 from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the P.A.L. Complex in Holtsville, is open to boys grades 1st through 8th. For more information on the program, please call (631)852-6109.

Gun Buyback Program: In an effort to make our communities safer, we are again offering our Gun Buyback Program. Unregistered handguns can be anonymously surrendered at the 1st, 3rd and 5th Precincts with no questions asked and you will receive a $200 gift card, while supplies last! Please ensure handguns are unloaded and do not bring the handgun into a precinct—instead notify a precinct desk officer who will gladly assist you.

Police/Community Meetings:

Please join us at our community meetings to discuss what is happening in your community and in your Police Department. The following is a listing of upcoming meetings (all meetings are held at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted):
1st Precinct. 555 Route 109, West Babylon. (631) 854-8100. Serving the Town of Babylon and the Villages of Lindenhurst and Babylon. Next meetings: July 27 and August 17.
2nd Precinct. 1071 Park Ave, Huntington. (631) 854-8200. Serving the Town of Huntington. Next meetings: July 7 @ 10 a.m. and August 4th @ 10 a.m.
3rd Precinct. 1630 Fifth Avenue, Bay Shore. (631) 854-8300. Serving the Town of Islip (West) and the Village of Brightwaters. Next meetings: July 6 and August 3.
4th Precinct. 345 Old Willets Path, Hauppauge. (631) 854-8400. Serving the Town of Smithtown and the Villages of the Branch, Islandia and Lake Grove. Next meetings: July 28 and August 25.
5th Precinct. 125 Waverly Avenue, Patchogue. (631) 854-8500. Serving the Towns of Brookhaven (South) and Islip (East), and the Villages of Patchogue and Bellport. Next meetings: July 6 and August 3.
6th Precinct. 400 Route 25, Selden. (631) 854-8600. Serving the Town of Brookhaven (North), and the Villages of Old Field, Poquott, Belle Terre and Port Jefferson. Next meetings: July 14 and August 24.
7th Precinct. 1491 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley. (631) 852-8700. Serving the Town of Brookhaven (East), and the Village of Shoreham. Next meetings: July 15 and August 19.

To contact us regarding any information contained in this newsletter, please visit our website at www.suffolkpd.org, or call our Community Outreach Bureau at (631) 852-6109.