Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta is calling on colleagues in the legislature to support his procedural motion establishing a special committee to review Suffolk County law enforcement operations. The motion is on the agenda to be heard at the Public Safety Committee meeting 9:30 a.m. Thursday, February 4 at the William Rogers Legislature Building, 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, North Complex, Hauppauge, NY
“As a result of the recent allegations of wrongdoings by top officials in the Suffolk County Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, I felt compelled to sponsor this measure to review all aspects of law enforcement operations in Suffolk County,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.
In December of 2015 Suffolk County’s top police officer James Burke was indicted and remains in prison for violating the civil rights of a Smithtown man arrested for burglarizing a vehicle being used by Chief Burke. Federal prosecutors are handling the case.
According to Trotta if the legislature supports his motion, the committee (consisting of six Suffolk County legislators) will review the operations, procedures and practices of the Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Committee members will also conduct an investigation into allegations of favoritism, the lack of adequate rules and procedures, the failure to comply with existing laws, rules and procedures relating to internal affairs investigations in the Police Department, the selection of cases for criminal prosecution, and the appointments and promotions within the aforementioned Department and Offices.
Trotta’s motion includes granting the committee the power to administer oaths and affirmations, the authority to compel the attendance of witnesses, and the production of books and papers related to the review and investigation.
“It will have subpoena power with approval of the legislature and will hold meetings and hearings as needed. In addition, the Committee is authorized to hire the necessary staff to conduct its investigation, subject to appropriations by the County Legislature.” said Trotta in a released statement.
The Public Safety Committee meeting is open to the public.