Nicolello Defends ‘Yes' Vote on Police Realignment Plan

Monday Nassau , R-New Hyde Park, joined fellow party members in voting for a plan .

Tuesday, he offered his reasoning behind his vote, saying that the plan “maintains public safety and saves taxpayer money.”

The plan, which calls for four police precincts to be converted into community policing centers, was approved by the in a 10-9 vote, split along party lines with Republicans in favor.

“The plan eliminates desk jobs, puts more problem oriented police (“POP”) officers into the community, and saves taxpayers up to $20 annually,” Nicolello said in a statement. “Under the new plan, the exact same number of police officers will be patrolling the exact same areas countywide. These officers will change shifts in the community as they do now, and will continue to have 911 calls routed directly to their patrol cars.”

One of the major concerns over the realignment has been that services would be cut and there would not be as many officers on the force, something county officials have said was not the case.

“Residents will get the same services from the policing centers that they get from precincts now,” Nicolello said. “The only thing that changes is the elimination of back office jobs that are staffed by officers who are contractually prohibited from leaving the precinct to answer calls.”

The county has said that the realignment was necessary to save taxpayer money and to provide a more efficient police force as Nassau .

“I am confident that this plan, and our new Police Commissioner, will give Nassau a more efficient police department while maintaining the quality of safety our residents deserve,” Nicolello said.