Police misconduct: What do your elected officials think?

Background:

Kennedy Jr. 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.

Kennedy, of Nesconset, serves on the Public Safety Committee, which is charged with police oversight. He was elected to a fifth term in November and is the legislature's minority leader. He received a bachelor's degree in psychology and biology from Stony Brook University. He received a master of business administration degree from Adelphi University and his law degree from St. John's University in 1994.

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 comment

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 comment

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

Should Nassau/Suffolk create a civilian review board?

No comment

His comments:

I have been advised by Suffolk County Attorney Dennis Brown, that as a fiducuiary of County Government, I am precluded from commenting upon a matter that is presently the subject of ongoing litigation. As reported by Newsday, federal litigation has been filed regarding the Turner matter. Therefore, I must abide by counsel's advice.