SCPD commits to 30x30 initiative aimed at increasing number of women in policing

By Suffolk County Police Department

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison announced on March 28 he signed a pledge, on behalf of the department, for the 30x30 initiative that aims at increasing the number of women in policing.

Women have been significantly underrepresented in policing since the profession’s founding.

Currently, women comprise only 12% of sworn officers nationwide. This initiative aims at increasing women in law enforcement to 30% by 2030.

Research shows women officers are perceived by communities as being honest and compassionate, and they see positive outcomes for crime victims, especially in sexual assault cases. The 30×30 initiative works with law enforcement agencies to improve recruiting practices and establish community partnerships to enable agencies to become truly representative of the jurisdictions they serve. While 30×30 is focused on advancing women in policing, these principles are applicable to all demographic diversity, not just gender.

The Suffolk County Police Department is currently recruiting for its upcoming police exam. The deadline to register for the exam is April 19 and the exam will be held on June 17.

Suffolk County Police officers have attended hundreds of outreach events to educate individuals about the upcoming test. Officers have visited colleges, fitness centers, and career fairs, and also offered recruitment presentations at houses of worship, military installations, and various community organizations throughout the tristate area. The department is also utilizing advertisements, including moving billboards, signs on buses, radio and television spots.

Additionally, the department will be hosting an informational session, Women In Law Enforcement at The Quintyne Community Center, located at 1 Commerce Blvd. in Amityville, on March 29 at 6 p.m.

The SCPD will be joined by Nassau County Police and New York State Police to discuss the numerous opportunities for women and the impact they can have on the community as members of law enforcement.

“Ensuring women are represented in law enforcement is critical to the future of the Suffolk County Police Department,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D).

“I commend Police Commissioner Harrison for taking the steps to bring an increased awareness to the number of women in policing and for doing what is needed to make that goal possible.”

“After spending more than 30 years in law enforcement, I have seen firsthand the valuable contributions women bring to the job,” Harrison said. “There is no question that signing up for this initiative will raise awareness about the opportunities available for women in policing and the powerful difference they can make in the lives of the people we serve.”

Agencies who sign the 30x30 Pledge have agreed to:

• Take measures to increase the representation of women in all ranks of law enforcement

• Ensure that policies and procedures are free of all bias

• Promote equitable hiring, retention and promotion of female officers

• Ensure culture is inclusive, respective and supportive of women in all ranks and roles of law enforcement

For more information, visit www.30x30initiative.org

The following incidents have been reported by Suffolk County Police: Brentwood woman pleads guilty in hit-and-run of Commack mom of 5

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on March 22 that Madeline Henriquez, 22, of Brentwood, pleaded guilty to running over a woman and killing her, fleeing the scene, and attempting to hide her vehicle which had sustained extensive damage from the crash.

According to the investigation and the defendant’s admissions during her guilty plea allocution, on May 23, 2022 at approximately 10:08 p.m., Henriquez was driving a 2012 Hyundai Elantra eastbound on Motor Parkway at a high rate of speed when she swerved into the northbound lane of Wicks Road, striking a vehicle and subsequently striking 28-year-old Cherokee Fletcher, who was standing on the corner of Motor Parkway and Wicks Road.

Fletcher, who had five children between the ages of one to seven years old, was killed as a result of being struck by Henriquez. Henriquez did not slow down or stop at the scene and proceeded eastbound on Motor Parkway until she returned to her home in Brentwood.

Henriquez admitted she later had a tow truck pick up the Hyundai and bring it to another residence in Brentwood for repairs related to the damage from the crash. The windshield and passenger side of Henriquez’s vehicle had extensive damage consistent with being involved in a crash with both a vehicle and pedestrian. She is due back in court on May 19 for sentencing, and is expected to be sentenced to 3 1⁄2 to 10 1⁄2 years in prison.

Stony Brook woman found dead

Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the death of a woman who was found in her car in the water in Stony Brook on March 26. Sixth Precinct police officers responded to Stony Brook Boat Ramp, located on Shore Road, after a 911 caller reported a vehicle in the water at approximately 6:45 a.m. Officers located Harriet Farish inside a 2020 Kia Telluride in the water. Farish, 76, of Stony Brook, was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the incident to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392.

Caught On Camera

Wanted for petit larceny

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole approximately $900 worth of calculators at Target, located at 98 Veterans Memorial Highway in Commack, on March 13 at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole shoes from Famous Footwear, located at 1770 Veterans Memorial Highway in Islandia, on March 4 at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Centereach massage parlor raided

Suffolk County Police arrested two Flushing women for alleged unlawful practice of a profession during a massage parlor raid in Centereach on March 27. Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers, along with a Town of Brookhaven Building Inspector, Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal and Brookhaven Town Investigator conducted a massage parlor investigation at New Day Spa, located at 14 Dawn Drive, and arrested Jessica Garcia, 30, and Wenjuan Deng, 42, were arrested and charged with alleged Unauthorized Practice of a Profession.

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS.

Clockwise from upper right, Sarah Dukofsky, left, and Julianna Mooney celebrate a touchdown; Brooke Tarasenko and Mia Abshire both get a flag; Stephanie Braun breaks off a run; and Meredith Terracciano.