Police misconduct: What do your elected officials think?

Background:

Abrahams can propose and vote on laws that affect the Nassau County Police Department. As a body, the Nassau County Legislature oversees the police department and can confirm or reject the county executive's choice for police commissioner. The legislature can also hold hearings and subpoena documents and witnesses.

Abrahams, of Freeport, has served on the legislature's Public Safety Committee, which is charged with police oversight. He was first elected to the legislature in 2002. He had served previously as a legislative assistant and deputy district director for former Rep. Floyd H. Flake (D-Queens), and as a community liaison for Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola). In 2011, Abrahams was elected minority leader of the legislature's Democratic caucus.

Questions:

Police officers have remained on the job after shooting innocent people, falsifying police reports, lying under oath and committing other misconduct.

Is there a need for increased oversight of law enforcement?

Yes

Lawmakers with Nassau’s and Suffolk’s Public Safety Committees have not publicly discussed police misconduct since 2007.

Should the Nassau/Suffolk Public Safety Committee hold public hearings on police misconduct when issues arise?

Yes

New York City has a civilian review board that independently reviews complaints of police misconduct.

Should Nassau/Suffolk create a civilian review board?

Yes

His comments:

Abrahams did not provide any comments.