In recognition and appreciation of the Garden City Police Department leading all other cities and villages in the county in DWI arrests, the Nassau County Traffic Safety Board, last Thursday, presented the department with an observation camera to be mounted in a police car, to help in the prosecution of those arrested for driving while intoxicated as well as for other crimes.

According to Roger Bogstead, the executive director of the Nassau County Traffic Board and the coordinator of the Stop DWI Program, this camera is very useful in the prosecution of those arrested because it may catch a suspect trying to hide a beer can or some other type of evidence when the officer's back is turned. The officer will be equipped with a microphone, which will help to protect the officer as well. In addition there will be a microphone in the car so that anything the suspect or suspects may say that the officer does not catch, will be recorded on tape.

In presenting this state-of-the-art equipment to the Garden City Police Department, Bogstead described the department as, "the standard by which many villages should follow."

Police Commissioner Ernest Cipullo thanked the Traffic Safety Board and commented on the very strict traffic enforcement policy of the village, enforced by the fine officers, some of whom were on hand for the presentation. Also on hand were four members of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). In addition to helping MADD by being so effective in arresting DWI offenders, Sgt. Kenneth Jackson and Sgt. James Bartkowski, of the Garden City Police Department, both belong to MADD and participate in their activities and attend MADD functions.

According to a release from the Garden City Police Department, "The department's Stop DWI program continues with a pro-arrest policy which resulted in 135 arrests. This is a 6.25 percent decrease from the previous year and is a direct result of a policy that works." The Garden City Police Department has received several awards including the Award of Excellence from the AAA and the Police Agency Campaign Safe & Sober Award from Governor Pataki's office for its innovative traffic safety programs. Four officers of the traffic division of the department have also been recognized as recipients of the New York State "Top Cop" award since 1996.

The Garden City Police Department adds, "The department has earned and will continue to strive to retain a reputation amongst our peers and the community, for being a highly professional, service-oriented department. Though the demand for police services continues to grow, we will guard against becoming a reactionary force, one that responds to events rather than utilizing a pro-active approach. In addition, we will continue to incorporate technological advances that will provide us with the ability to improve officer safety and efficiency."