Grillo: As a parent of two teenagers, it’s a difficult proposition to address. For the most part, the majority of village teenagers are not old enough to drive and have no alternative but to walk to a friend’s house, unless they have a parent drive them, which at times, "just isn't cool." However, I believe everyone's conduct should be contained within the bounds of decency and respect for one another. While the tri-part relationship between our youth, our adults, and police department is an evolving one, I would propose additional involvement of the Rockville Centre Youth Council. There should also be additional outreach by our Village Board to our local high schools to work with our students to have serious conversations about alternative social activities for our teenagers.

Wieman: An increased police presence to stop teenagers who are roaming the streets and confiscate any alcohol or drugs would be a start. We also have to recognize that many of these children are just “hanging out,” and not out looking for trouble. Giving the “good” kids a place to meet up with their friends would be a start, but it doesn’t address the problem of mischief makers still walking around, looking to cause trouble. This is why an increased police presence, and not just on Halloween, would be helpful.

5. Do you think the village benefits from having its own police department? Are there any changes you would make to the Rockville Centre Police Department?

Oppenheimer: This village greatly benefits from having its own police department. Emergencies are responded to quickly and professionally. Quality of life issues are addressed promptly and special events such as parades and celebrations are well planned. I would like to enlarge the force to meet per capita standards suggested by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, who recommend that a municipal police force have one officer per 350 residents. Rockville Centre is currently at about one per 500 with Lynbrook at one per 364 and the County at one per 420. A larger Police force would provide for more attention to quality of life issues such as traffic, youth roaming the streets, and school crossings as well as crime prevention.