Overview of the Port Washington Police District
The Port Washington Police District, which was established in 1921, has done a fantastic job of protecting our community. In fact, our area has a significantly low violent crime rate—a testament to the peace and order our taxpayers enjoy and deserve.
Our district is unique in the sense that it serves as its own taxing authority and has never reported to a larger government body or policy makers. The structure we have is a departure from the norm in New York State. In my opinion, this structure is inefficient because it encourages marginal or nonexistent checks and balances toward budgetary and policy issues, law changes, and more. If I am elected as your Police Commissioner, we will make sure that transparency will exist at all levels.
Our police department reports to and is overseen by a board of three commissioners. In addition, there are three chiefs running the department, including one whom I have had the pleasure of graduating in high school with.
The department has 81 personnel, 61 of whom are recognized as patrolmen. Last year’s annual budget was $22,000,000, with $20,400,000 going to the personnel.