Suffolk Creates Gang Suppression Team to Tackle Violence

Suffolk Creates Gang Suppression Team to Tackle Violence
Levy, Spota and Dormer Announce Formation of 20-Officer Team that will concentrate on Gang ‘Hot Spots’ in County
Program to Stem Criminal Activity also features Community Outreach, Educational Components

Yaphank, NY – -Suffolk Executive Steve Levy was joined at a press conference today by District Attorney Thomas Spota and Suffolk Police Commissioner Richard Dormer as they announced the formation of a special law enforcement unit and a comprehensive program to quell gang violence in the county.

Approximately 20 officers currently working out of Suffolk’s police precincts will be brought together into a single unit to share intelligence focus on ‘hot spots’ where gang violence is prevalent. The initiative will also include community outreach and school education components, according to the officials.

“By combining our personnel, we can have a significant presence in areas where there is gang activity—and we can infiltrate these areas with a lot more firepower than was possible before,” said Levy.

“This program is far more than just another police crackdown,” Levy added, “it is a comprehensive approach to addressing the gang problem in our county.”

The program will feature interaction among the police department, the Suffolk Youth Bureau, community agencies and area schools, as well as other organizations. Goals will include providing programs and services, as well as education, which will lead youngsters to steer away from gang participation.

District Attorney Spota, who noted that the surge in gang activity in Suffolk mirrors that of other counties and states, said the special-unit strategy “will more effectively apply law enforcement resources to where they are needed.” Spota’s office will contribute prosecutors and detectives to the effort, as well as additional constitutional law and tactical training to officers who are part of the special unit.

Police Commissioner Dormer said the creation of the Gang Suppression Team is a “dramatic and aggressive” move that was precipitated by recent incidents including a June 15 incident at Timberline Park in Brentwood where a 13-year-old boy was shot in the head and seriously injured.

Support for the initiative was voiced at the news conference by Patchogue-Medford Youth Association Director Linda Licato, Boys and Girls Club of Suffolk County Executive Director Devon Daniel, and Abundant Life Church of God (Holbrook) Pastor Greg Wilk.

Press conference participants urged members of the public who have information about gang activity in their communities to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-220-TIPS. Information can also be delivered via text messages sent to “SCPD” that includes the information plus the word “CRIMES” in the body of the message. All calls and messages will remain strictly confidential.

DECISIVE STEPS—Suffolk Executive Steve Levy (foreground) was joined by (from left) Police Commissioner Richard Dormer, District Attorney Thomas Spota, Boys and Girls Club of Suffolk Executive Director Devon Daniel, and Abundant Life Church of God (Holbrook) Pastor Greg Wilk at a press conference where they announced the formation of a special law enforcement unit and a comprehensive program to deter gang violence in the county.