News: Department of Justice Warns Suffolk Cops
(Long Island, N.Y.) The United States Department of Justice has challenged the Suffolk County Police Department to toughen its internal operating procedures in combating hate crimes. The push comes before a hate crime killing in Patchogue that dates back to 2008. The concerns addressed include an inconsistent recordkeeping of hate crimes, a failure to educate officers in deterrence of hate crimes, and a need for a more effective Internal Affairs Bureau.
The Department of Justice addressed Suffolk County’s executive stating that they strongly urge the county to implement suggestions. A series of tips were proposed in a letter citing the need for a better system for investigating complaints against police.
Reports stated that a letter dated days ago aimed at assisting Suffolk County Police with problems concerning a culture bias. It was sent to the Suffolk County Executive in Hauppauge and titled, “Suffolk County Police Department Technical Assistance Letter.” The letter released information regarding the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York; the subject was an investigation that had been initiated in September of 2009.
Reports also stated that the Department of Justice met with the Suffolk County Police Department in March and May of 2011. The Department of Justice gave oral recommendations to the Police Commissioner as well as commanded staff on policy adjustments that were deemed necessary. The department also filed a separate letter officially citing their findings.
The second letter was intended to provide the police department with guidelines for providing constitutional police services throughout the county. The letter’s intention was to ensure the continued public confidence in police that has been enjoyed throughout the history of the police force in Suffolk County. The Department of Justice recognized the steps that the Suffolk County Police Department has already taken and described the letter as more of a guideline than a reprimand.
The letter recommended modification of policies and procedures that affect Latinos. The Department of Justice also recommended a rule to ensure that the new policies are being maintained and enforced. The recommendations cited specific guidelines for procedures during arrests of non-citizens and asked Suffolk County Police to advise the particular embassies of the detainee’s home country.
