By Maria Moore, Your Candidate for Mayor

Police Officers have a demanding job.  The services our officers provide during storm events, and responding to motor vehicle accidents are already subject to protocols that have served our officers and the community well.

However, there is a more demanding aspect to this job.  That is the enforcement of the criminal law.  We are fortunate that our community does not have crimes committed 24 hrs a day / 7 days a week /365 days a year.  Still, we have the periodic Robbery, Burglary, and the commission of some more insidious crimes.

Investigations are demanding, take time, and in the end an officer’s / detective’s work can be held up to scrutiny in a criminal trial.  Not many among us have our work subject to such a critical examination.  It is a part of their job, and we have an obligation to make sure our police are prepared.

Local Police Departments that have already earned accreditation are:  Suffolk County Police; New York State Police; Southampton Town and Village Police; East Hampton, Town and Village Police; Shelter Island Police;  Riverhead Town Police; and Quogue Village Police Department.   With all of these police departments being accredited, a bench mark has been set, and we simply do not want to fall below this standard.

Proper training that comes with accreditation is essential.

Maria Moore, Your Candidate for Mayor