SCPD Programs Reviewed at Community Meeting

Local officers discussed police recruitment information and community services offered by the Suffolk County Police Department at a community meeting at the Fifth Precinct in Patchogue Tuesday.

Officer Terrence Buckley, with the Community Outreach Bureau of the SCPD, told attendees the next test for those interested in becoming a Suffolk County police officer will take place on June 11, 2011. Registration for the exam closes March 31, 2011, and eligibility requirements can be found at www.joinscpd.com.

In addition to reviewing police department programs, Buckley addressed Suffolk County's Social Host Law. That law details how police hold adults responsible for allowing young adults under 21 years of age to drink alcohol on their property.

A man from Bellport who wished to remain anonymous attended the meeting because of his concern about crime in North Bellport. The man said that his house was burglarized last week during the day when no one was home, and thieves stole cash and jewelry.

"I've lived in this house for 40 years," he said. "It didn't used to be a place where houses were broken into. Now it is."

Inspector Aristides Mojica, who said these meetings are so residents like the Bellport man can voice concerns about their neighborhood, said there have been many burglaries in the Bellport area, which includes East Patchogue, this summer. "We're working on it," he added.

Officers also detailed the following programs at the meeting.

The IDENT-A-KID program collects a child's emergency contact information, medical history, photograph, DNA sample, thumbprints and safety tips.  The program is available every Thursday, except holidays, by appointment only, from 4-6 p.m. at police headquarters in Yaphank. Call 852-6109 for further details.

The Special Needs/ Silver Alert program provides seniors with dementia with a special identification bracelet, which can be used in the event they lose track of their location.

The Gun Buy Back program allows anyone to turn in an illegal handgun anonymously to the first, third or fifth precinct and receive a $200 reward. Those who wish to drop off a gun should first enter the precinct without it and ask an officer to escort them in with the weapon.

Operation Medicine Cabinet allows anyone to bring unneeded prescription drugs in pill form to any of the seven Suffolk County police precincts, and dispose of them anonymously in a receptacle in the lobby.

The precinct also has guides for parents and teenagers concerning heroine and drug abuse.

The next meeting will be held October 5 at 7 p.m.