Heightened police awareness for the Jewish holidays

To increase awareness of safety and security during the Jewish High Holy days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Nassau County police addressed community and religious leaders on patrol and policing strategies at police headquarters in Mineola on Wednesday.

“It’s important for everyone to be aware about what’s happening,” said Deputy Inspector Danny Gluck, the commanding officer of the volunteer county auxiliary police, Fourth Precinct – South unit that patrols the Five Towns.

Presentations on security and planning were discussed and local precinct commanders were in attendance to respond to specific community concerns and questions. During the question portion of the meeting, gangs in Nassau County, armed security guards in synagogues and the upcoming presidential debate were mentioned.

“Our detectives will be aware of the current threat level,” Kevin Smith, chief of detectives, said. He added that at the time of the meeting, “There is no specific threat level against any entity in Nassau County.”

During the meeting, the Nassau County Security/Police Information Network (SPIN) program was mentioned. Espinosa said police monitor the database, which is a crime prevention partnership between the police department and the private sector. When there is an emergency or NCPD needs to share information, the unit will broadcast the information to the specific area, precinct or to organizations that they may need to reach.

“Reading the newspapers, what’s happening right around us, this kind of a meeting helps,” said Rabbi Barry Dov Schwartz, who gave the invocation at the meeting.

Tightening LIRR security

State Sen. Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach), wrote a letter to MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast to request that the MTA prioritize their plans to install surveillance cameras in and around all of its train stations and cars.

“Security is the utmost concern for commuters and workers, and the sooner cameras can be installed, the closer we'll be to a safer transit system for all New Yorkers,” Kaminsky wrote in a prepared statement, in the wake of recent terrorist activity.

From Oct. 2 through Oct. 24, the NCPD will be available 24/7 through a dedicated phone line to answer any questions or reports in the event of terrorism threats or bias-related incidents. The number is (516) 573-7720.