Suffolk Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart Resigns

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart on Wednesday announced she is stepping down from her position.

Hart, 53, who has served as commissioner for three years, plans to step down in May to take a job at Hofstra University as its director of public safety, Newsday reported. Hart, a mother of two, said her new position will afford her more family time, according to Newsday.

"I wanted to leave this department better than when I got here," Hart told Newsday. "I hope I have accomplished that."

Chief Stuart Cameron is stepping in as the acting commissioner while a replacement is sought, police said.

Hart's departure would come as the Suffolk police department is set to make reforms following the county's approval of its Police Reform and Reinvention plan. Changes to the department would include body cameras, mental health responses, boosted civilian oversight of the police department, increased data for traffic and pedestrian stops and more.