Suffolk Police Beefing Up Patrols During Holiday Season

With the holiday season about to get into full swing, Suffolk officials announced plans Wednesday to increase police patrols in shopping centers and on the roadways. 

Suffolk County Police will be conducting high visibility patrol and enforcement—from Nov. 27 through Jan. 1—with officers on foot, bicycle and vehicle patrols in downtown and shopping areas to increase safety and security and assist with crowd control if necessary, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Suffolk County Police Commissioner Edward Webber said in a statement. 

In addition to enhanced patrols, traffic safety checkpoints will be conducted to target drivers who are violating laws pertaining to driving while intoxicated and the use of cellphones while driving.

“We want residents to enjoy this festive season and we are asking them to make responsible decisions to ensure a safe holiday for themselves and others,” Webber said. “Our officers will be saturating the roadways looking for those violating the law.”

Bellone also reminded residents who plan to host parties in their home to abide by the county's Social Host Law, which makes it illegal for any adult (including parents) who are over the age of 18 to knowingly allow consumption of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21.