By Linday Press and Hank Russell
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine joined Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, members of the Suffolk County Police Department and Suffolk PBA President Lou Civello at a special press conference at the Suffolk County police headquarters in Yaphank on April 9 to announce that there will be an increase in police presence on the roads to crack down on illegal street racing and meetups, as well as distracted driving.
Texting and driving or drinking and driving “creates the possibility of some serious accidents where you can harm or hurt people, tie up traffic, it’s not going to be tolerated,” said Romaine. “We can not drive and text, we can not drink and drive, we can not smoke cannabis and drive, because it reduces our reaction time.”
Catalina announced that the Street Takeover Task Force pilot program will be extended throughout the rest of the summer. Since its implementation last year, according to Catalina, Task Force members issued over 3,300 summonses, arrested 21 people, and impounded 34 vehicles since its implementation.
“You’re going to see [the police] out on the roadways at night, making sure we don’t have these individuals coming out and taking over our roadways,” Catalina said.
With the proliferation of these street takeover videos on social media, Long Island Life & Politics asked Catalina if there was a way the SCPD could discourage these social media outlets from allowing these videos to be posted. “We really haven’t gone that route yet,” he replied. “It’s like breathing for [street takeover participants who post the videos]; they can’t live without social media.” He also said these videos have been “fortuitous” for them, as some of these postings have led to arrests.
In addition, with this week being Distracted Driving Awareness Week, the Suffolk County Police Department will be adding another nine officers to the Highway Bureau on Sunrise Highway and the Long Island Expressway. That means an additional police presence of 25% and 33%, respectively.
“Whether you are picking up a phone or a sandwich while you’re driving, you’re endangering everyone else on the road,” Catalina said. “Don’t do it. If you hurt someone, it’s not an accident. It’s a choice that you have made and that choice has consequences.”
He also said there will be a crackdown on driving while high on cannabis. “Everybody has been in their cars driving down the road and there’s the smell of marijuana,” Catalina said. “It’s scary and it’s dangerous.”
Romaine said nobody should have to fear that they are putting their life at risk whenever they need to get in the car and drive. “A few seconds of distraction can cause major pain and accidents and a whole host of other things,” said Romaine. “We see this all the time.”
“As President of the Suffolk County PBA, I commend County Executive Ed Romaine and Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina for their continued commitment to public safety and the well-being of our officers,” Civello said. “Increasing patrol presence on our highways and extending the Street Takeover Task Force sends a strong message: Suffolk County will not tolerate reckless or distracted driving.”
“Our officers are proud to participate in the statewide Distracted Driving Campaign,” Civello continued. “These proactive measures will save lives and help ensure that Suffolk County remains one of the safest places to live and travel in New York State.”