Cop 'Instrumental' In Sheriff's Task Force Roles Tapped To Lead Suffolk Police

YAPHANK, NY — The former Suffolk undersheriff, who colleagues say, was instrumental in expanding the Suffolk Sheriff's office's role in the Gilgo Beach Task Force, and is an expert in gang suppression and counter-terrorism, Deputy Commissioner Kevin Catalina, has been nominated by County Executive Ed Romaine to lead the county's police department.

Catalina has served as deputy commissioner since 2024 under acting Police Commissioner Rob Waring, who will be returning to his post as Chief of Department, the highest-ranking uniformed member of Suffolk police.

"You cannot get a better leadership team," Romaine said, speaking at a news conference at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge this week.

Waring said that having worked with Catalina for a year, has given them a great start as a team going into the new year.

"We know each other, we respect each other," he said, adding that he has "tremendous experience," talent, and temperament.

"He's going to do a great job, and I look forward to working with him and for him," Waring added.

During his time at the sheriff's office, Catalina was responsible for all intelligence operations, deputy sheriff commands, and the training academy, according to his biography on the sheriff's website.

He is well-known in New York's law enforcement community for his expertise in anti-gang violence strategies, gang suppression, and counter-terrorism operations, and has lectured internationally on terrorism and site-security subject matter.

Catalina "brings a wealth of experience to law enforcement" from his time in the New York City Police Department and as an undersheriff in Suffolk, according to Sheriff Errol Toulon, who worked in corrections on Rikers Island before taking office.

He described it as a privilege to work alongside Catalina "for many years," starting over a decade ago when the two colleagues collaborated as counterparts when they both worked for the City of New York.

In 2018, Toulon appointed Catalina to undersheriff where he oversaw the Sheriff office’s policing division, as well as other ancillary units, and he used corrections intelligence to help partner agencies solve and prevent crimes.

"As an undersheriff, Kevin proved to be an exceptional leader, and I have no doubt he will continue to excel in his new role as the leader of the Suffolk County Police Department," Toulon said.

Catalina, a Suffolk resident, was with the NYPD for 26 years before retiring as deputy chief and commanding officer of the Intelligence Bureau, Operational and Analytical Section, according to his biography on the sheriff's website.

He held a range of positions relating to counterterrorist operations and investigations, logistical planning, and site security, and as the commanding officer of the Gang Division from 2014 to 2016, he developed all gang investigative and suppression strategies used throughout the city.

He is recognized as a subject-matter expert in gang violence and crime reduction strategies, and pioneered an initiative in the South Bronx resulting in a 4o percent reduction in shooting incidents.

He has a Bachelor of Arts in History from the State University of New York Oneonta and a certificate in police management from Columbia University’s Police Management Institute.

Catalina also had leadership roles in high-profile events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the New York City Marathon, Newsday reported.

"We have already seen that his extensive experience in policing, corrections intelligence, and his strong relationship with the sheriff’s office have greatly enhanced law enforcement collaboration over the past year, making our communities safer than ever," Toulon said.

"This nomination marks a well-deserved milestone in Kevin’s distinguished career, which has been defined by years of leadership and service in law enforcement," he said. "I wholeheartedly congratulate him on this new chapter, and I look forward to continuing our work together in this capacity."

Catalina was also lauded by Suffolk Police Benevolent Association President Lou Civello, who said he brings "a spirit of innovation and unsurpassed dedication" to his new role.

"As the former Deputy [Police Commissioner], he worked diligently to make Suffolk one of the safest counties in the nation earning the respect of the rank and file," he said. "We Congratulate him on being nominated as Police Commissioner and look forward to continuing to work with him, protecting Suffolk County residents."

Catalina, who lost his mother this past weekend, said he wished that she could have lived to share the moment with him.

"This position is something that I really couldn't have dreamed of," said the lifelong Suffolk resident who grew up admiring the police department. "I went into law enforcement a long, long time ago with the hopes of becoming a Suffolk County Police officer, and a year ago, I had that opportunity."

"It couldn't have been a better year," he said, adding that it has been a "phenomenal year," and "the best year" of his policing career. "Thank you, County Executive Romaine, for making that possible, the fact that I've been able to ascend to this position."

Romaine said he will also be making more changes at the police department in the coming month, including the appointments of the chiefs of detectives and operations, as well as improvements to some of the department's precinct buildings and the Marine Bureau's facilities.

"This is an exciting time to be in police work; it's not an exciting time to be a criminal in Suffolk County," he said adding, "because we're coming for you, and we have some of the best people behind us, and we're going to drive the law breakers out and we're going to keep this county as safe as possible."

The Suffolk Legislature will vote on Catalina's appointment at their meeting on Tuesday.