Police misconduct: What do your elected officials think?

Background:

Barraga can propose and vote on laws that affect the Suffolk County Police Department. As a body, the Suffolk 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.

Barraga, of West Islip, has served on the legislature's Public Safety Committee, which is charged with police oversight. He was elected to a fifth term in November. A former U.S. Marine, he retired from the New York guard as major general in 2011. He was the town clerk from 1977 to 1982, and he served in the state Assembly from 1983 to 2005.

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?

No

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?

No

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

Should Nassau/Suffolk create a civilian review board?

No

His comments:

Barraga did not provide any comments.