Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, and newly appointed Deputy Police Commissioner Thomas Galati unveiled the Suffolk County Police Department’s (SCPD) latest counterterrorism initiatives this week.
Executive Romaine underscored the importance of strengthening local security efforts as violent incidents continue to rise across the nation. In recent years, public events have become increasingly frequent targets — from the vehicle attack on Bourbon Street during New Year’s celebrations to the Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas, as well as bomb threats at concerts and the alarming increase in school shootings. These incidents serve as reminders of the evolving threats facing communities nationwide — realities that Romaine, Commissioner Catalina, and Deputy Commissioner Galati are keeping in mind as they work to ensure Suffolk County remains as safe and prepared as possible.
With a population over 1.5 million residents and its proximity to New York City, Romaine emphasized the vital role of the SCPD in maintaining public safety. The addition of Thomas Galati, a 39-year law enforcement Veteran and recognized expert in counterterrorism and intelligence, further strengthens the department’s ability to address evolving threats. A former NYPD Chief of Counterterrorism and Intelligence, Galati brings decades of experience to the department and will spearhead efforts to strengthen Suffolk County’s preparedness and response to evolving security threats amid a nationwide rise in related incidents.
Romaine also noted that the County is exploring advanced technological methods to enhance safety and security for Suffolk residents.
From large community gatherings like the Riverhead County Fair, where thousands come together for a day of family fun, to places of worship such as mosques, churches, and synagogues, officials said these locations will receive additional attention and protection as part of the county’s enhanced counterterrorism strategy.
“If we don’t have a plan, we could have problems,” said Romaine, stressing the importance of having multiple layers of protection.
Deputy Commissioner Galati called the opportunity to serve in this capacity an “honor.”
“It’s truly a great honor to work alongside the men and women of this department and to serve in the community where I’ve lived for the last 30 years,” said Galati.
Galati explained that while Suffolk County remains one of the safest in the nation, today’s threats have evolved. The greatest danger, he said, often comes from lone actors radicalized by extremist ideologies or personal grievances—seen in school shootings, workplace violence, and attacks on public gatherings.
“The challenge is stopping these threats before they happen—and that’s where our focus needs to be,” he said.
He highlighted ongoing partnerships with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, local schools, and emergency services, and pointed to the upcoming Suffolk County Marathon as an example of proactive planning. Security for the event will include vehicle barriers, canines, rooftop officers, and drone surveillance for real-time monitoring.
Galati noted that today’s threats come in many forms — far different from the days immediately following 9/11.
“Right after 9/11, our main concern was groups like al-Qaeda and later ISIS,” Galati said. “That’s changed. Those groups are now online, trying to radicalize individuals — and those people can be hard to find. It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.”
He emphasized the importance of online monitoring and community awareness, saying that much of the key information surfaces on social media or through people close to potential offenders.
“Often after an attack, we hear people say, ‘I knew something was wrong,’” he said. “We need those people to come forward.”
Galati added that the department works closely with schools and families when potential threats are identified, sometimes intervening when a student posts violent messages online.
“It’s about working together — with our partners, our schools, and our community,” said Galati. “There’s nothing we won’t look into.”
Galati also outlined several ways residents can report suspicious behavior, emphasizing that no concern is too small. If something seems off, people should call 911 or 311, visit any precinct, or reach out to a school resource officer or community police officer.
He also pointed to regional hotlines that connect directly with law enforcement agencies across New York, including the “1-888-NYC-SAFE” line. Calls made through that hotline are automatically routed to the appropriate jurisdiction, ensuring Suffolk County receives relevant reports.
“Partnerships are essential,” said Galati. “We can’t protect against every threat without working together—federal agencies, local police, schools, and even the business community.”
Commissioner Catalina emphasized the department’s commitment to school safety across Suffolk County’s 69 districts and more than 100 schools. He said school staff receive ongoing training and resources to prepare for potential emergencies, including active-shooter scenarios. While each district has its own procedures, Catalina noted that the department works closely with administrators to provide guidance and ensure consistent, countywide preparedness.
As threats continue to evolve nationwide, Suffolk County officials say preparation, communication, and collaboration remain the strongest defenses. By combining advanced technology with community awareness and interagency partnerships, local elected and law enforcement hope to ensure that Suffolk County stays ahead of potential dangers — and remains one of the safest places to live, work, and gather in the country.
