Suffolk PBA ads look to boost cops' image

The Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association is running television and radio ads meant to improve the image of officers. The ads, which began running in mid-May, tout members' volunteerism and community work, their teaching self-defense and anti-bullying classes, and say: "We're proud to keep Suffolk with the lowest crime rate of any suburb."

Suffolk PBA president Noel DiGerolamo declined to reveal the cost of the buys.

"The problem we're faced with today, the PBA and police officers have been vilified for years, by the previous administration and other elected officials," he said. "We need to educate the public about the reality that we are partners with the community, not opponents."

-- David M. Schwartz