Suffolk County Police Department
The Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) is one of the largest and most active municipal police departments in the United States. With a jurisdiction covering more than 500 square miles and serving over 1.5 million residents, the department plays a critical role in maintaining public safety, preventing crime, and supporting the community across western Suffolk County, New York.
From patrolling suburban neighborhoods and business districts to investigating major crimes and deploying advanced technology, the SCPD stands at the forefront of modern law enforcement on Long Island.
Jurisdiction & Structure
The Suffolk County Police Department provides full-service policing to the five western towns of Suffolk County:
- Babylon
- Brookhaven
- Huntington
- Islip
- Smithtown
Eastern Suffolk towns such as Riverhead, Southampton, and East Hampton are served by separate town or village police departments or the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.
Headquarters and Precincts
- Main Headquarters: 30 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank, NY 11980
- The department is divided into seven precincts, each covering a specific portion of the county for faster and more localized response:
- 1st Precinct: West Babylon
- 2nd Precinct: Huntington
- 3rd Precinct: Bay Shore
- 4th Precinct: Hauppauge
- 5th Precinct: Patchogue
- 6th Precinct: Selden
- 7th Precinct: Shirley
Each precinct operates its own Crime Section, Community Liaison, and Patrol Division, offering a community-based approach to policing.
Services and Units
The SCPD operates a broad range of specialized divisions to address everything from street crime to cyber investigations:
- Homicide Squad
- Major Case Section
- Narcotics and Vice Unit
- Special Victims Section
- Computer Crimes Unit
- Marine Bureau (patrolling Long Island’s coastal and inland waterways)
- Aviation Section (helicopters used for rescue, search, and surveillance)
- Emergency Service Section (SWAT, bomb squad, and technical rescue)
Community Services and Engagement
The department places a strong emphasis on community policing, youth engagement, and transparency. Programs and services include:
- SCPD Alerts – Opt-in emergency alert system for local residents
- Anonymous Crime Tips – Through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS
- School Resource Officers in middle and high schools
- Youth Academy and Civilian Police Academy for education and outreach
- Community Liaison Officers in each precinct
- Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Teams
SCPD also collaborates closely with federal and state agencies on issues such as opioid trafficking, gang suppression, and terrorism prevention.
Technology and Modernization
SCPD is recognized for integrating technology into policing, including:
- Real-time crime center (RTCC)
- License plate recognition (LPR) systems
- Body-worn cameras for transparency and accountability
- ShotSpotter gunshot detection systems in high-crime areas
- Drone surveillance for active investigations and missing persons searches
Recruiting & Career Paths
The Suffolk County Police Department recruits new officers through civil service exams administered by Suffolk County. Applicants must meet requirements related to age, education, residency, and physical fitness.
Opportunities include:
- Patrol Officers
- Detectives and Investigators
- K-9 Handlers
- Marine or Aviation roles
- Promotion to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and higher ranks
- Civilian support roles in administration, dispatch, and IT
For more information, visit: https://suffolkcountyny.gov/police
Notable Facts & Impact
- Established: 1960
- Sworn Officers: Approximately 2,400
- Annual Budget: Over $500 million
- 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatch: Operated jointly with Fire/Rescue Communications
- Community Policing Focus: Integrated into precinct operations
The SCPD is nationally recognized for its efforts in anti-gang initiatives, opioid overdose response, and community outreach, particularly in working with at-risk youth and immigrant communities.
SCPD Snapshot
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Area | 5 western Suffolk towns (Babylon, Brookhaven, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown) |
| Precincts | 7 |
| Founded | 1960 |
| HQ Location | Yaphank, NY |
| Officers | ~2,400 |
| Key Programs | Crime Stoppers, Youth Academy, Marine & Aviation Bureaus |
| Website | suffolkcountyny.gov/police |
