As County Executive, Steve has been able to enhance efficiency in the department by placing more than 100 officers, who were performing non-patrol functions, back onto patrol sectors while continuing to reduce and cut total crime (Part I & Part II crimes) by nearly 20 percent.
As a result, Suffolk County has been consistently identified as one of the safest suburban areas in the nation.
More than 95 percent of Suffolk's 911 calls are answered within ten seconds -- quicker than the national standard.
Steve's manpower initiatives created more anti-gang and narcotics divisions, special teams to focus on community hotspots, and special units to focus on identity theft and computer crimes, most especially those involving predators using computers to lure young victims.
Steve's reforms helped control costs in the department while enhancing services. The rate of growth of the department, which was rising by 6.5 percent annually prior to Steve's administration, has been cut by two-thirds. Yet, under Steve Levy, there are more foot patrols than ever, more school-assigned officers than ever, and full staffing of all seven precincts for the first time in the county's history.
Manpower initiatives include:
· Civilianization of non-police functions, such as legal research, auto repair, and IT functions, which were being performed by sworn officers;
· Rotating headquarters' personnel into one-week or two-week shifts in sector patrol;
· Utilizing deputy sheriffs to patrol New York State thoroughfares, the Long Island Expressway, and Sunrise Highway at a more cost-effective rate, and making more than 50 officers available for local precinct patrol.
Fulfilling a quest he began in the 1990s after an Oakdale constituent's daughter was brutally murdered while frantic neighbors were on hold with 911, Steve implemented a non-emergency police number (852-COPS) for quality of life calls; freeing up 911 for true emergencies.
Suffolk's anti-terror unit is highly regarded throughout the nation, and has worked closely with school districts and colleges to prevent campus intruders and acts of violence in the schools.
