Bellone Appoints Interim Suffolk Police Commissioner

YAPHANK, NY — Risco Mention-Lewis has been appointed Suffolk's Acting Police Commissioner, becoming the first black person to hold the post.

Mention-Lewis, who has served as the deputy commissioner since 2012, takes up the post left vacant by the retirement of Stuart Cameron on Friday. Mention-Lewis’ work has included the creation of comprehensive programs to combat gang violence and recidivism through intelligence-lead policing and community-oriented policing, police said. She also helped in developing Council of Thought and Action groups in Suffolk.

She will hold the post until the new commissioner is sworn in.

County Executive Steve Bellone has nominated New York Police Department Chief of Department Rodney Harrison to take the helm. The nomination of Harrison, who was been endorsed by the Legislature's Public Safety Committee last week, is expected to be voted on by the full legislature on Tuesday.