Suffolk County Unveils Police Reform Plan That Includes Body Cams

SUFFOLK, NY —On the heels of an incident caught on body camera footage that led to the suspension of two Suffolk County police officers, Suffolk County has released a police reform plan that calls for widespread of officer body cameras. On Friday, County Executive Steve Bellone announced the release of the plan, the culmination of a task force organized in September 2020 to develop a reform plan for the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD.)

The task force asked for input from community organizations and residents on the topics of traffic stops, use of force, mental health issues, accountability, recruitment and oversight. Eight community "listening sessions" were held.

A report by Newsday published on Friday found Suffolk and Nassau Counties were two of only three major polices forces nationwide out of 50 similarly-sized departments to not widely use body cameras on officers. Only a few officers in the county currently wear cameras.

"In an effort to increase transparency, civility, and accountability, the reinvention and reform plan proposes that body worn cameras be deployed as standard police worn equipment for all Suffolk County police officers who engage with the public in the course of their professional duties. The cameras would also increase case resolution and evidentiary corroboration, along with providing a significant and effective training tool for police recruits and veteran officers" a news release from Bellone's office stated.

In addition to the implementation of body cameras, the plan calls for the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission to be able to review police misconduct cases including those that concern bias and the use of excessive force. The commission is an independent agency that would work with the police department's own internal affairs division.

The plan also addresses improvements to the department's community policing strategies, including increasing the communication between officers and residents. A "Park Walk and Talk" would have police officers open to dialogue for one every week in a range of neighborhoods.

Bias in traffic stops was cited as another area of concern and reform.

A "'Safety First Campaign'...will provide drivers with a warning for their first equipment violation, instead of a ticketed fine. This warning will be paired with educational resources to highlight the importance of addressing the equipment violation," to address inequality in ticketing for minor car equipment issues.

Increased training and continuing education for officers, more effort on diverse recruiting that reflects the communities served by the SCPD and additional mental health response training round out the recommended reforms.

Tracey Edwards is the Long Island Regional Director of NAACP and a member of the task force. She said in the news release: “While the process is ongoing and the draft is a working document, Suffolk County led the way by honoring the executive order’s charge of collaboration, respecting the diversity of opinions, and valuing each member of the task force’s unique perspectives.”

Noel DiGerolamo, the president of the Suffolk PBA, echoed support for the plan.

“On behalf of over 5000 active, retired, associate and affiliate members I am writing to express my support for the draft police reform and reinvention plan produced by the Suffolk County task force. Working collaboratively, the task force reviewed police department policy and procedures which have the greatest impact on community relations and interaction. Given this monumental process, the task force members spent hundreds of hours researching, analyzing, and discussing a myriad of issues we felt could be transformed to create a better environment for the Police Department, officers and most critical, the public we serve."

Do you think this plan will improve issues of police accountability, bias, and community outreach in Suffolk County? Let your neighbors know your thoughts in the comments.