How dare you claim that our police officers look the other way at criminal behavior. Some of your examples are completely fabricated. 1- We take orders from the Chief of Police only; 2- We are sworn to protect and serve; 3- Please explain to us, the law enforcement professionals who are supposedly overlooking criminal activity at the direction of the mayor, what loitering violations are we overlooking? It is not against the law to gather as a group and just hang out. We do not have any legal right to move anyone along if they are not doing anything wrong. Are we supposed to move them just because you don't like the way it looks? That is unconstitutional and you, as a lawyer, should know that. 4- The claim of officers overlooking Menacing (Penal law definition, lowest degree). A person is guilty of menacing in the third degree when, by physical menace, he or she intentionally places or attempts to place another person in fear of death, imminent serious physical injury or physical injury. Are you suggesting we just ride by, as individuals are having knife fights and are pointing guns at each other? Let's be serious. 5- Disorderly Conduct, we make arrests for that all the time, in fact this year to date we have made 29 such arrests. 6- Unless there are new laws on the books concerning Public Intoxication, which is not a criminal offense, but a disease, please again with your law degree, come show us what laws they are breaking. 7- You also state that arrests are down. Well, you should have done your homework on that one. Here are the real statistics: Arrests in 1997-406; 1998-406; 1999-426, that is an increase of 20 over the past two years. Appearance tickets: 1997-297; 1998-263; 1999-357, that is an increase of 94 over last year. 8- Concerning the patrol of the downtown village area, there is always at least one officer assigned to that area and every other post overlaps it also. During the week we have an extra officer who does patrol on foot. Just stop by and ask one of the downtown merchants. 9- As far as your claim that crimes and anti-social behavior go unreported by the ordinary person, we urge the public to call and make reports so we can respond appropriately.

The members of the Glen Cove Police Department do a great job. Just stop by any Memorial Day and listen to the Commendations that are given out.

Mr. McQuair, I take great exception to your statements against this department. It is amazing that just this summer you asked me for the PBA endorsement. Is this how you express your disappointment for us not supporting you?

(Sgt.) Patrick Hall

Glen Cove PBA President