Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Suffolk County Police Acting Commissioner Robert Waring announced safety measures the department is taking throughout the holiday season during a press conference at Suffolk County Police Headquarters in Yaphank on November 20.
The department will assign DWI patrols throughout the county during the entire holiday season with an emphasis during Thanksgiving weekend and the week of Christmas and New Year’s. Officers will take a zero-tolerance approach to anyone who chooses to drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol. The newly created Street Takeover Task Force will provide additional patrol support, focusing on DWI and aggressive and distracted driving in addition to monitoring and breaking up street takeovers.
Police officers and auxiliary police will be increasing patrols in and around business districts and shopping centers throughout the season. The department will also increase patrol checks at religious institutions during days of significance.