NCJ Number
91763
Journal
Emergency Services NY Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1983) Pages: 29-33
Editor(s)
R Elling
Date Published
1983
Length
5 pages
Annotation
In 1979, Westchester County (New York) established the Westchester County Police Department, which included the previously independent Parkway Police and Sheriff's Department as well as the jail and the protective and escort services provided for the county court system.
Abstract
The decision to combine the departments stemmed from the awareness of some overlapping services and continuous competition for funds and programs by the two major agencies. During the early phase of the merger, conflicts arose because one of the existing two unions had to be chosen to represent the officers. Controversy arose over pay scales, job classification, departmental structure, and operational matters. However, new policy statements are resolving the minor problems. The two major functions of the new agency are direct road patrol and support services to the county. One of the most impressive road functions is a road check program to identify persons who are driving while intoxicated. The agency also maintains a selective law enforcement, which focuses on locations where most accidents occur, and a crime analysis unit. The agency has had a 40 percent increase in arrests over the past year. The department has overcome its major conflicts rather well and is now a young force dedicated to law enforcement and service to the community. Photographs and a description of the agency's special services unit are included.