HAUPPAUGE, NY – February 3, 2026
Drug-Impaired Driving Laws and the Push for Reform
District Attorney Ray Tierney highlighted a critical gap in New York State’s drug-impaired driving laws. Currently, officers must identify a specific drug listed in state public health law to arrest an impaired driver – leaving many dangerous substances unaddressed. DA Tierney is pushing for legislation that treats drug impairment the same as alcohol impairment, focusing on driver condition rather than the substance. While the proposal has strong bipartisan support, a vote has been blocked in Albany. New York remains one of only four states with this restriction.
Suffolk County law enforcement leaders met with community members to discuss current public safety initiatives and ongoing challenges across the county.
Please sign the petition and urge your state senator and state representative to support the Deadly Driving Bill and pass it into law this year: https://nasid.org/get-involved/
Education and Enforcement to Improve Traffic Safety
Deputy Bureau Chief Laura Newcombe, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, discussed traffic safety education programs in local high schools, noting that Suffolk County leads New York State in traffic-related accidents and that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for ages 15 to 24.
Smithtown High School East students Barrett James, Laina Maggiulli, and Miabela Ortiz shared their peer-led initiative educating younger students on e-bike and scooter safety, including age restrictions and helmet requirements.
Crackdown on Street Takeovers and Ghost Plates
Suffolk County Police Department Chief William Doherty reported on the Street Takeover Task Force’s progress, which has stopped 90 takeovers, impounded 113 vehicles, made 70 arrests and received more than 500 Crime Stoppers tips.
Suffolk County Undersheriff John Becker presented on the regional crackdown on “ghost plates,” with partnerships across multiple agencies leading to arrests, impoundments, cleared warrants, and recovery of stolen property and weapons.
The meeting emphasized the importance of education, enforcement, and legislative reform in keeping Suffolk County communities safe.
To submit a crime tip or report street racing incidents call Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-852-TIPS or submit an anonymous tip through P3Tips.com.
Photography by Dana E. Richter.
