More than 100 parents in Syosset, Woodbury and Jericho had an eye-opening experience recently as Officer Robert Nardo, director of the POP (Problem Oriented Policing) Squad of the Second Precinct, addressed safety concerns in the community.

In a two-and-a-half-hour presentation, Officer Nardo covered a host of issues, including local gang activity, security in local movie theaters and malls, and drug and alcohol related issues in the high school and teen clubs. Also discussed were "open house" parties that can lead to out-of-control behavior by teens.

"Ultimately, you as parents have to make a decision as to whether your kids are safe or not," Officer Nardo told concerned parents. "I'm here to let you know what's out there, and also that you can let us know what you see going on," he added.

The evening was the first in a series entitled "It Takes a Village: Empowering Parents and their Families." The series is sponsored by the Health, Safety and Ecology Committee of Syosset Council of PTAs.

The next program will feature Barry Wilansky, executive director of Tempo Group. It will focus on how children acquire attitudes about behavior, dress and drugs from the electronic media and on taking responsibility as a parent. That program is scheduled for March 6 at 7:30 p.m. at South Woods Middle School in Syosset. The series is being videotaped for replaying by local PTAs and community groups.

Regarding safety at malls and movie theaters, Officer Nardo recommended that parents see their children inside, not merely drop them off in the parking lot. He also recommended that kids not wear jewelry that makes them a "mark" for thieves and that they wait to be picked up in a well-lighted area while avoiding stairwells where drugs and crime flourish.

"Most of the problems we see are in the parking lots," said Officer Nardo, who for many years patrolled the Hicksville Mall. "We have assaults, stolen cars, drugs and gang activity. Gangs are the hottest problem in Nassau County. Don't think they're not here because they are."

Parents in attendance were notably dismayed at Officer Nardo's assessment that security at local movie theaters was inadequate and in some cases nonexistent. A number of parents resolved to petition local movie theaters to assess and improve security inside and outside.

Officer Nardo also addressed drug and alcohol abuse among local high school students. Officer Nardo often visits Syosset High School and interfaces with administration and students. He encouraged parents to look closely for signs of drug or alcohol activity, including the hollowing out of cigars and cigarettes for smoking marijuana, as well as excessive water intake that indicates the use of the drug Ecstasy. Use of the latter is prevalent, he said, at local "teen clubs" that tout their "alcohol-free environments."

Open houses also were discussed. Such parties are often thrown by teens, who charge admission to other teens and where alcohol is served and drugs are available. In some cases, alcohol is supplied by misguided parents, who can be charged with a crime or can be sued by other parents, should kids be harmed on their way home, Officer Nardo emphasized.

Open houses accelerate in warm weather and around graduation time, Officer Nardo noted. One parent suggested a strategy of parents banding together to inform one another of their travels so that potential sites for open houses can be illuminated and unsupervised parties limited.

"If we are called to an open house, we will field test for underage drinking," said Officer Nardo. He emphasized that anyone found drinking will not be allowed to drive home, but added that the consequences for driving drunk are severe. "Being charged with DWI will screw up your life," he warned.

Officer Nardo encouraged parents and community groups to dialogue with the POP Squad, which can be reached at 573-6270.