Head Of Long Island's FBI Team Announced As New SCPD Commissioner

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced he looks to appoint Geraldine Hart as the Suffolk County Police Department's next commissioner at a press conference on Thursday.

Hart serves as the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigations’ Long Island satellite office.

"Geraldine possesses the integrity, competence, and excellence that we are looking for in someone to lead the Suffolk County Police Department," Bellone said in a statement on his Facebook page. "As our next Police Commissioner, she will bring a fresh perspective and build on the progress that we have made over the last two years."

Hart, would be Suffolk County’s first female police commissioner if appointed, is expected to start mid-April, News 12 reports.

About Hart from Bellone's office:

As the Senior Supervisory Resident Agent of the FBI's Long Island Office since February 2014, Hart has effectively led and directed the operations and investigations of 115 FBI Special Agents, Task Force Officers, and support personnel, affecting a diverse region of over three million residents. In this role, Hart directly supervises the Long Island Gang Task Force, as well as spearheaded the first multi-agency MS-13 Intelligence Center to centralize and facilitate the sharing of gang intelligence, with an emphasis on enhanced collaboration between the FBI, Suffolk County Police Department, New York State Police, Nassau County Police Department, and local governments.

“I am honored for the opportunity to serve the residents of Suffolk County and privileged to serve with the brave, hardworking men and women of the Suffolk County Police Department," Hart said in a press release. "I am extremely optimistic about the future of the Suffolk County Police Department and what we can accomplish together.”

Hart says she plans to keep Suffolk County’s safety a priority, and will keep a close eye on opioids, gangs, MS-13, and active shooter or terrorist situations, according to News 12.

SCPD’s Chief of Department Stuart Cameron will serve as acting commissioner until Hart is appointed and takes office, according to a tweet by Newsday reporter Nicole Fuller.

John W. Barry currently serves as SCPD's Acting Police Commissioner.

Image via Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone (Hart is pictured far right)