Police misconduct: What do your elected officials think?

Background:

Once Birnbaum takes office in January she will have the power to 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.

Birnbaum, of Great Neck, is an incoming legislator. She earned a bachelor's degree in consumer economics and public policy from Cornell in 1977 and an MBA in finance from NYU in 1981. She serves as the director of the office of intermunicipal coordination for the Town of North Hempstead.

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

Her comments:

Birnbaum did not provide any comments.