Panel eyes 60 police commish candidates

More than 60 people have applied to be Suffolk police commissioner, and the panel conducting the search expects to begin interviews by the end of next week, officials said.

Kevin Law, whom County Executive Steve Bellone named to chair the search panel, said he doesn't expect to make a final recommendation to Bellone for at least another two months. Law said the "great majority" come from the New York metropolitan area, but declined to specify how many applicants are current or former Suffolk police officials.

"We're not going to put a self-imposed deadline because we want to make sure we get the right person," said Law, president of the Long Island Association, who served as chief deputy to former County Executive Steve Levy. "Whether that's somebody from Suffolk County, or outside, [Bellone] isn't pressuring us to rush."

Bellone announced his five-member search panel in December, and the job was posted in newspapers and on national law enforcement websites in mid-January.

"We require an individual with a progressive record of success who has proven adept at solving major problems in prior positions," the posting reads, noting candidates must have a bachelor's degree and at least eight years of management experience in an agency of more than 500 employees.

Law declined to say how many candidates the panel will interview, but said there will be multiple rounds, plus background checks. The Suffolk Police Department employs about 3,500 people, including civilians, and has a budget of more than $400 million.