The Village of Northport has scheduled two public meetings to discuss police reform, in response to a statewide executive order from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.
Mayor Damon McMullen said that the two public meetings are essential to shaping the Village’s final plan that will be utilized by the Northport Village Police Department to enhance and improve services. The purpose, the mayor said, is to “create opportunities for the public and policymakers to collaborate within the framework of the order while fostering greater trust and respect
between the police department and the community.”
The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. when the Northport
Village Police Review Committee will present to the Village Board the findings of a recent survey they conducted. The purpose of the survey was to assess public attitudes about the police department and to identify any concerns. The survey and its findings will be used to inform the committee as they develop recommendations. Board trustees will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide the committee with feedback.
On Feb. 2, at 6 p.m., the second session will allow the public to comment on the findings and to voice their concerns and suggestions about policing in Northport Village. The public is encouraged to attend both meetings.
Cuomo issued the order June 12 in response to tensions and lack of trust that became evident between communities and law enforcement agencies. The order requires each local government in the State to adopt a plan by April 1, 2021, to be eligible for future state funding.
When forming the committee, Mayor McMullen’s expressed intent was to ensure that the committee reflected gender balance and reflected the cultural make-up of the community. The committee is comprised of residents and
stakeholders in the Northport community including representatives from a local elected official’s office and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office, clergy, representatives of the LGBT and multicultural communities, League
of Women Voters, as well as local business owners, a licensed social worker, a retired NYPD officer, a retired government administrator, and the chief of the village police.
McMullen appointed the volunteer committee early last summer.
The following link can be used to register for the January 19th
workshop: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYodeuqrTkjE92IkW9upA-T2DjSEh1y6Gaw.
For updated information on the proceedings of the Northport Village Police Review Committee, access to the survey (to be posted shortly before the beginning of the Jan. 19 workshop), and the Zoom meeting information for the
Feb. 2nd, check the Northport Village’s website at www.northportny.gov as well as the Northport Village Police Department’s website: https://www.northportvillagepolice.com/