Editor’s Notebook: Port Washington Police District

The Board of Police District Commissioners of the has released a . In it, they review some of the details concerning the March 3 incident, when they received calls of a man, possibly armed, on a roof on Sea Gull Lane in the Soundview section of Port Washington North. After the incident, Patch learned that the weapon turned out to be a BB gun, and the man, a resident, was arrested and charged with three counts of menacing.

In its public safety message, police request that during a time of heavy police activity, people refrain from calling 911 seeking information, as that can compromise the department’s ability to answer calls for service.  Referring specifically to the March 3 incident, the letter states, “If there was any danger to anyone as a result of this incident your Police Department would have been in contact with you with instructions for your safety.”

Instead, stay informed about emergencies and other news by signing up for , which sends out automated phone calls and emails to those who register.

On March 8, the Port Washington Police Department critiqued the Sea Gull Lane incident, analyzing the efforts of its officers and other responders, including Nassau County Emergency Services and Bureau of Special Operations. Deputy Chief Ron DeMeo, citing an email from Inspector Sean McCarthy of Nassau County’s Third Precinct, said the Port Washington Police Department was praised for its handling of the March 3 occurence. Port Washington police “did a very good job,” according to the email, referring to the department as a “leader” in mock exercises in active shooter and school safety training.

As DeMeo told the Board of Commissioners at its public meeting on March 9 at , “We believe we were pretty successful in the way it turned out. We also have very good coordination with Nassau County [in] proactive training that we have here."

Increased Presence on Harbor Road

In other news, Port Washington police are increasing its presence on Harbor Road when school buses drop off children in the afternoon. That increased presence will help to ensure that drivers do not run stop signs or park illegally on the sidewalk, causing a safety hazard.

The Board of Commissioners will meet next on March 23, at 7 p.m. at police headquarters.