21 Cuffed In Quality-Of-Life Crackdown In Suffolk: Police

CORAM, NY — Twenty-one people were rounded up on charges ranging from drug possession to open arrest warrants on Thursday during a quality-of-life enforcement operation in Coram, Suffolk police said.

The arrests resulted in a total of 33 charges, which included one felony, 21 misdemeanors, and 11 warrants, after the Route 112 corridor crackdown, according to police. The corridor, which includes the area where there is a bus stop and several wooded parcels, has been the subject of numerous community complaints about drug use, prostitution, and other community activity for over 10 years.

Crime in the area has become a "significant quality-of-life concern" and the police department sent a clear message that it will "address crime wherever it is taking place," Commissioner Rodney Harrison said.

Harrison commended his officers for their work, as well as members of the community for bringing their concerns "forward, helping us achieve a successful result during this enforcement initiative."

The effort was a joint operation involving patrol officers and the 6th Squad detectives, as well as the department's Anti-Crime Unit, Community Support Unit, Community Oriented Police Enforcement, and special operations teams from the 6th and 3rd precincts. Electronic Investigations, Criminal Intelligence, and the K-9 units were also involved in the operation.

The 21 people who were arrested were all offered emergency housing and information on available mental health services, according to police.