I have read recently that Newsday published incorrect facts about automobile theft in Port Washington which left the impression that Port is a high crime area. Having been actively involved as a citizen advocate with the Port Washington Police District since 1990 and with traffic safety issues in particular since 2001, I wish to share this perspective with the community.

The Port Washington Police District, with 59 uniformed police officers, does a phenomenal job of enforcing traffic safety laws in Port Washington and patrolling our streets 24/7. Their response time to calls is two minutes or less. My experience with the PWPD in the 25 years I have lived in Port Washington is that they are consistently courteous, professional, highly effective and dedicated. I feel safe and secure knowing they are here.

Automobile theft is a nationwide problem and each of us must be first-line defenders in protecting our own property. The number of automobile thefts in Port Washington is miniscule and the Port Police could not be doing more to patrol and protect our streets and property. At the same time, one must put this issue in the larger perspective, when it comes to saving your life, enforcing traffic safety laws and getting to your home within two minutes of a call, the Port Police are the best on the planet.

Steven M. Schlussel