Don’t believe the PBA on police reorganization

I am writing on a matter of great public urgency, namely the reorganization of the police force proposed by Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Dale, and now under consideration by the County Legislature. Many people have been subjected to an unprecedented campaign conducted by the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA), which is the largest union representing the police. The reorganization will improve public safety, while saving critical tax dollars, and the claims by the PBA to the contrary are false. The  truth needs to be told.
Nassau County has been facing an extremely difficult financial situation, caused by many factors, but in large measure due to the outlandish salaries and benefits awarded to PBA members by the previous, Suozzi, administration. The salary and benefits package has brought the average cost of
a county police officer to upwards of $200,000 a year! That’s several times what the average Nassau resident earns. In addition, there are “work rules” in the contract that impose unjustifiable and often absurd costs on taxpayers. For just one instance, Each PBA member is given $600 annually as education pay, but they are not required to use it on education. 
Do you get an extra $600 check to use on make-believe education costs? I certainly do not.
In order to improve police efficiency and curb costs, County Executive Edward Mangano has proposed consolidation of certain facilities. This consolidation will improve public safety, while cutting costs. Here are some specifics:

• The Fourth Precinct (the one that now serves this district) will NOT be closed, contrary to claims by some PBA members. In fact, NO precinct buildings will be closed. Some will simply be transformed into facilities adjunct to the remaining precincts.

• Criminals from other areas will NOT be brought to “wander the streets of Hewlett” and cause trouble, as claimed by the PBA. People arrested will be transported to Police Headquarters in Mineola.

• There will NOT be fewer police on the streets. In fact, the consolidation will force many current officers now on desk duty into patrol duties. There will, in fact, be MORE police on our streets.