The Nassau County Police 3rd Precinct Commanding Officer, Inspector Robert Turk, was the guest speaker at last week's meeting of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce. Inspector Turk spoke about the county police department serving the business community of Mineola.

The 3rd Precinct encompasses an area from the Queens border at the precinct's westernmost point to the Wantagh Parkway to the easternmost point, from Hempstead Turnpike at its southernmost point to the Northern State Parkway at its northern point.

According to the inspector, there are 25 sector cars in the precinct and 182 police officers. The inspector noted that as of Feb. 19, there have been 28 arrests in Mineola ranging from DWI to larcenies, burglaries, a robbery arrest, driving with a suspended license and a possession of marijuana arrest.

Insepector Turk noted some statistics in his presentation. He said major crimes in Mineola are down from 2003 to 2005 by 48 percent. Major crimes are defined as murder, sexual assaults, robberies, burglaries, stolen cars and grand larcenies. From 2005 to 2006, there was a slight increase in major crimes in Mineola. In 2005, there were 133 major crimes and in 2006, there were 139.

The inspector pointed out that residents and business owners are the eyes and ears of the community and if anyone sees anything suspicious in Mineola, he or she should call 911 and the 3rd Precinct would respond.

He also said the 3rd Precinct can be reached by 573-6330 and the POP (Problem Oriented Policing) unit can be reached by 573-6370. The POP officer for Mineola is John Larson.

Inspector Turk said he meets monthly with Mineola Mayor Jack M. Martins and the precinct works with the village on housing issues.

Inspector Turk also fielded questions from chamber members. One chamber member wanted to know if the downtown area would ever see foot patrols. Inspector Turk responded that with the manpower in the precinct, foot patrols are limited, although he said the 3rd Precinct is looking to get a lion's share of new police recruits.

The inspector also addressed the issue of the homeless. He noted that unless a homeless person presents a danger to himself or herself or another person or is committing a crime, police are limited in what they can do. In such cases, police can offer assistance but can't require a homeless person to go to a shelter.

A question also came up regarding cell phone use while driving. Inspector Turk said that the police are addressing the problem as best it can but it will be a cultural change like seatbelts were.

The inspector reiterated that anyone who has a problem and needs police assistance should call 911 or the precinct.