Mangano to remove two officers from PAL

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano said Wednesday that he will remove two of the 10 officers from the Police Athletic League and return them to patrol duties, sparking complaints from some parents.

That will cut down on overtime for other patrol officers, saving the county $250,000 a year, Mangano said.

"These officers will be placed back on the streets to protect the public and that's exactly where they belong," Mangano said. "PAL is here today, will be here tomorrow and will run just fine with two less officers."

Some parents criticized the move.

Herman Wong of Farmingdale, a parent of an 8-year-old enrolled in the PAL sports programs, said "parents were notified that staffing and programs will be reduced due to funding cuts that will affect staffing of this very valuable program for kids."

However, administration officials said PAL programs were safe. Katie Grilli-Robles, a Mangano spokeswoman, said officers assigned to PAL primarily perform administrative functions and have only limited involvement with the children.

"No programs or units will be eliminated," said Grilli-Robles. "The fact is that these programs have previously all run and flourished with eight police officers and will continue to do so. Anyone who indicates otherwise only has one interest and goal in mind, which is obstructing good government," she said. "There will simply be a realignment of assignments."

There are 32 PAL units spread across the county, serving about 40,000 children annually, Grilli-Robles said. PAL sponsors various sports for boys and girls including baseball, soccer and lacrosse, but programs vary from unit to unit based on the local community's needs and interests, Grilli-Robles said.

James Carver, president of the Police Benevolent Assoc., called Mangano's move "another example of cuts being made to good programs that serve our youth."