2020 - 2021
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE GUIDE
Rockville Centre
PoliCe DePaRTmenT
T
he Rockville Centre Police Department has 52 sworn officers and a support staff of 42 civilians, including dispatchers, neighborhood aides and crossing guards. The department is assisted by an 18-member auxiliary force that logs more than 2,800 hours of volunteer service a year. Since the coronavirus pandemic hit Long Island, the Rockville Centre Police Department has had to reevaluate the way officers handle the calls that the department receives. In a notice posted on the Village of Rockville Centre’s website, the department asks civilians to be "as transparent and descriptive as possible" about the health of anyone the officer would be coming in contact with as they answer requests for aid. Rockville Centre residents are encouraged to call the station house at (516) 766-1500 for non-emergency inquiries, as the department is attempting to provide service remotely whenever
possible. The police department supports a 900-hour professional training program for recruits. According to the department, the training covers areas such as the use of force, firearms, hazardous material handling, emergency vehicle operations, and active shooter response to ensure Rockville Centre's 26,000 residents are receiving appropriate responses to distress. The department also runs various educational programs for each major age group on a variety of topics, including travel and specialized crime prevention for seniors, burglary prevention and security surveys for hom-
eowners, and bus and bicycle safety for the younger crowd. The police department's website also includes a "Safety Tips" tab (rockvillecentrepolice.us) that cover everything from online shopping to holiday decoration safety. The Rockville Center Police Department states its mission is: "to provide quality police service to the residents and visitors of the community in a professional, courteous and committed manner." Through its specialty units, the Department hopes to uphold its mission as it continues serving the Rockville Centre community. All emergency calls should be placed at 911, and non-emergency calls should be directed to the number listed above.
Christina Daly/Herald
Above Photo: RVC Police Commissioner James Vafeades and Inspector Kenneth Schaefer placed a wreath inside the memorial circle at the Memorial Day ceremony on May 25.
