Mineola, NY - Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi today authorized the promotion of 50 police officers to the rank of detective, bringing the size of the Nassau County detective force to 425 - more than 20 above the number of detectives when Suozzi first took office.

The newest detectives were recognized and rewarded for their part in helping to reduce Nassau County's crime rate to its lowest level in more than 30 years, Suozzi said.

"It gives me great pleasure and pride to make these well-deserved promotions," Suozzi said. "These officers are among the finest within the police department's ranks.

"Due to careful budgeting and effective cost savings across the county, we are now able to expand our investment in areas of public safety where it matters most," Suozzi added.

"The role of a detective is critical to solving major crimes and this group has demonstrated that they are up to the task of carrying on in the best tradition of those who have made the reputation of the department's detectives second to none," Suozzi said.

The 50 officers will be promoted at a ceremony at 11:30 am on Friday, September 30th, in the Police Auditorium at Nassau County Police Headquarters.

This is the third class of detectives that Suozzi has authorized during the last year. The promotions were made possible, in part, by Nassau County's improved budget picture. By reducing waste in government and holding the line on spending, the county has received 10 bond upgrades from the three major bond rating agencies while implementing three consecutive "no-tax-increase" balanced budgets.

"I am committed to our ongoing effort to drive crime down to historic lows countywide," Suozzi said. "These promotions will assist in that effort and will ensure that the ranks of the department's detectives will be reinvigorated for years to come."

Police Commissioner James H. Lawrence also welcomed the new class of detectives. "For many years Nassau County detectives have enjoyed a reputation as being among the best. I'm confident that our new detectives will live up to that standard and keep Nassau County at the top of the list as being one of the safest municipalities of comparable sizes in the United States."