YAPHANK, N.Y. (AP) - Officials say this year’s Suffolk County police class will be nearly tripled in size to help offset retirements over the next few years.
County Executive Steve Bellone tells Newsday (https://cbsloc.al/1pXKBkq ) there will be 175 officers in the class - the second largest in the department’s history.
The newspaper says the class will increase the cost in the 2016 budget from $1.5 million to $4 million this year and by an additional $12 million in 2017.
The class would be ready by next summer.
Police estimate there will be 128 retirements this year. Deputy County Executive Jon Schneider says they’re planning for 120 retirements in both 2017 and 2018.
Police Commissioner Timothy Sini says the hires will help reduce overtime costs brought on by staffing shortages.
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Information from: Newsday, https://www.newsday.com
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