Officials: 110 members of Nassau PD, 59 in Suffolk PD have tested positive for COVID-19

Dozens of Long Island police officers are out sick with the coronavirus, leaving concerns about the impact on public safety in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

News 12 Staff

Apr 6, 2020, 6:51 PM

Updated 1,481 days ago

Share:

Dozens of Long Island police officers are out sick with the coronavirus, leaving concerns about the impact on public safety in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
As of Monday morning, 110 members of the Nassau Police Department have tested positive for COVID-19, 96 of which are sworn police officers. In Suffolk, there are now 53 sworn police officers with COVID-19, and six civilian members with it.
More than 170 Nassau Police Department members are in quarantine, while more than 100 in the Suffolk Police Department are quarantined.
Despite the figures, both counties' police commissioners are striking a reassuring tone.
Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder says they've put their plainclothes units back in uniform, among other changes.
"We're taking our POP cops, putting them back into the chart," says Ryder. "Again, schools are closed and all those other functions and things we normally do, so getting them into uniform, (and) will backfill."
Suffolk Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart says numbers in the department have been "manageable" so far.
"So we just move people from patrol commands to fill up the patrol cars," says Hart. "As we move through this, we know the numbers are going to get more and more increased, so we are planning accordingly and we have different commands in the detective division, outside of patrol, that we will move into to backfill if necessary."
Hart also says they had a recruit class graduate early, bringing 60 new officers on the force specifically assigned to enforce Gov. Andrew Cuomo's social distancing orders.
In both counties, many officers who were sick have recovered and returned to work.
"The men and women are doing a great job coming back to work and that's what's important," says Ryder. "When they're healthy, we don't want them back if they're not."
As News 12 has reported, first responders across Long Island are being flooded with 911 calls. Police have asked that unless it's an emergency to just call your local precinct directly.
 


More from News 12
1:56
Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

0:29
MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

1:46
Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City today; tracking weekend rain

Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City today; tracking weekend rain

1:46
NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

1:43
See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

1:59
6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

0:29
Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

0:05
Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

1:54
Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx