Romaine Lays Down the Law in 2026 State of the County

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine put public safety and law enforcement at the forefront of his State of the County agenda Thursday, calling for a new police headquarters while pledging continued investment in the infrastructure, personnel and facilities needed to keep residents safe.

One of the largest projects outlined by Romaine is a new Suffolk County Police Department headquarters, replacing a facility he said was originally constructed as a social services center and later converted for police use.

“We need a new police headquarters,” Romaine said, describing the project as “major, major, major” and long overdue.

Romaine said the county plans to build the headquarters at the former John J. Foley property in Yaphank, adjacent to the current facility, allowing police operations to gradually transition into the new building.

Once that happens, Romaine wants to renovate the existing headquarters and move county agencies currently occupying leased properties into the building, reducing Suffolk’s rental expenses.

Public safety also figured prominently in Romaine’s closing message, where he rejected calls to “abolish the police” or “do away with prisons,” arguing that county government should instead pursue policies that he described as grounded in common sense.

The emphasis continues a public-safety push that has included county funding for new police officers, deputy sheriffs, correction officers and probation officers, along with investments in law-enforcement technology and specialized anti-crime initiatives.

Romaine then turned to Suffolk’s other major challenges.

He highlighted plans for a new medical examiner’s office and crime and environmental laboratories, saying expanded testing capabilities are particularly important for detecting threats to drinking water.

Wastewater infrastructure remains another priority. Romaine noted that roughly 70% of Suffolk uses cesspools or septic systems and said sewer projects are advancing in Holbrook, Oakdale and Smithtown.

Preserving Suffolk’s character also featured heavily in the address. Romaine discussed protecting farmland and working waterfronts, saying the county has committed $9.5 million toward waterfront acquisitions. He also pointed to Suffolk’s approximately 60,000 acres of parkland and previewed improvements including electricity, Wi-Fi and upgraded camping facilities.

Transportation was another focus, with Romaine calling for improved public transit and greater use of rail to move freight, reducing the number of trucks on congested roads.

He also addressed child welfare, saying Suffolk has received state approval to establish a child welfare review board and stressing that protecting children must remain government’s first responsibility.

Romaine ultimately framed those initiatives, from policing and clean water to transportation and preservation — as part of a broader effort to strengthen Suffolk’s quality of life.

“Together with your help,” Romaine said, “we will keep building a county where working families can live, work and thrive for generations to come.”