Commander Sets Priorities for Suffolk’s 7th Precinct

Suffolk County Police Inspector Robert R. Monten, the new commander of the Seventh Precinct, is bringing 33 years of law enforcement experience and a commitment to community involvement to his new assignment.

Speaking at a recent Pattersquash Creek Civic Association meeting, Monten emphasized his support for the Precinct Level Advisory Board (PLAB), which encourages residents to work directly with police on public safety and neighborhood concerns.

"I'm here because I am interested in every part of the department," Monten said at the civic association meeting.

His appointment comes as Mastic-Shirley residents continue raising concerns about loitering, drug activity and street crime, particularly in the Neighborhood Road Business District.

“We are applying a lot of resources to it,” Monten said of the department’s efforts to combat criminal activity. “We’re not going to give up on it. It’s right there on my plate.”

Monten began his career in 1993, spending 11 years as a patrol officer in the Second Precinct before transferring to the department’s Crime Scene Section. He subsequently served five years as a patrol sergeant and was promoted to captain in the Fifth Precinct. He later became deputy inspector before assuming command of the Seventh Precinct.

Traffic enforcement is another priority.

Monten shared precinct traffic stop statistics showing that most stops occurred in the Mastic-Shirley area. He said he intends to encourage officers to make more stops, particularly along corridors experiencing high numbers of accidents.

William Floyd Parkway, one of the area’s busiest thoroughfares, is receiving increased enforcement attention.

Monten also encouraged residents to participate in the advisory board, which provides a direct channel for communicating concerns, identifying persistent problems and developing solutions.

His message was that police enforcement and community cooperation must work together to improve neighborhood safety.