Police, Town Ready to Keep Crowds Safe, Happy As Season Kicks Off in Montauk

MONTAUK, NY - It's official: The crowds are descending upon Montauk for the start of the summer season.

And police and town officials are working hard to ensure everyone stays safe.

According to East Hampton Police Chief Michael Sarlo, the police department will have additional patrols out on the streets, including part time officers and overtime to supplement the regular shifts.

Not only foot patrols, but bike patrols and additional motor patrols will be onhand, with seven to 10 officers in Montauk each weekend night, as well as some help from the New York State Troopers from time to time, he said; the town's mobile command post unit will also be out.

The goal, he said, will be focusing on quality of life violations such as open alcohol, public urination, litter and noise while also trying to maintain safety and good order on the roadways.

"Taxis are a tremendous service and help keep drunk drivers off the roads, but we need them to operate safely and follow the rules of the road," Sarlo said.

The police department intends to continue its approach from last summer, as they believe there was "significant progress and calming by the end of the season. Working closely with bar and restaurant owners, security and staff to ensure cooperation and understanding of the expectations of the town should also help," he said. "By sticking to the town code regulations of no outside amplified music after 9 p.m. and ensuring that music is kept within the acceptable limits set forth afterward, the volume and level of overall noise has greatly improved."

The town's fire marshal and code enforcement officer will also be out on patrol on weekend nights monitoring for violations, Sarlo said.

Sarlo said the police department is "understanding of the concerns of some businesses about the recent issues surround New York State Liquor Authority licensing and permission for live music, "but we're not planning any specific actions, and the town will be working with the licensed establishments to help them come into compliance moving forward."

To the guests arriving in droves, Sarlo asked that revelers respect the "natural beauty and resources East Hampton and Montauk have to offer, and remember that while vacationing here, everyone must remember this is home for so many people."

Violators should expect summonses, Sarlo said. "We're a resort community that must welcome visitors; but that doesn't mean we must welcome disrespect and violations of our code and the law. We hope everyone slows down on the roadways, as well. Remember these are rural streets with reduced speed limits for very good reasons — pedestrians, bicyclist, animals — we all must share the road and take a few extra minutes to get where we are going safely."

Residents and visitors alike should remember the true meaning of Memorial Day, to remember "those brave Americans who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms."

East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell said a full complement of staff will be onhand as they were last summer checking nightclubs, bars, restaurants and places of public assembly to ensure that there is no overcrowding, with foot patrols out to ensure peace and order.

"I'm optimistic," Cantwell said. "I think we're going to avoid most of the issues that took place last July."

It's critical, he said, to find a balance between year-round residents and the seasonal guests and homeowners upon which the economy depends. "It's not easy to find the perfect balance but we are working on it every day."