5 Key Facts About The Nassau County 3rd Precinct: Jurisdiction, Recent Major Incidents, And The Evolving Structure
The Nassau County Police Department’s 3rd Precinct remains a critical hub for law enforcement operations in Central Nassau County, covering a vast and densely populated region of Long Island. As of December 19, 2025, the precinct continues to be at the forefront of tackling localized crime spikes, particularly in areas like New Cassel and Westbury, while maintaining the county's reputation for overall low crime statistics.
This precinct, headquartered in Williston Park, has a complex history, notably involving a major consolidation effort that redefined its boundaries and operational scope. Understanding its current structure, leadership, and recent activity is essential for residents and stakeholders seeking the most up-to-date information on community safety and policing efforts in this vital area of New York.
The 3rd Precinct's Vast and Evolving Jurisdiction
The 3rd Precinct, often referred to as the Third Precinct, holds jurisdiction over a significant portion of Central Nassau County. Its physical location is at 214 Hillside Avenue in Williston Park, NY 11596. However, the communities it serves stretch far beyond the immediate vicinity of the station house.
Historically, the operational map of the 3rd Precinct underwent a major transformation due to police consolidation measures. This involved the controversial merger of the former 6th Precinct, which was based in Manhasset, into the 3rd Precinct's command structure. This consolidation, which took effect years ago, was part of a larger, cost-saving initiative by the Nassau County Legislature to reduce the number of precincts county-wide.
Today, the 3rd Precinct covers a diverse range of communities, including major population centers and business districts. Key areas under its watch include:
- Williston Park
- Mineola
- New Cassel
- Westbury
- Carle Place
- Parts of Roslyn and Manhasset (inherited from the former 6th Precinct)
- The area surrounding Nassau Community College (NCC)
This expanded geographical area means the precinct’s officers, including the Problem Oriented Policing Unit (POP), must address a wide spectrum of issues, from suburban quality-of-life concerns to more complex criminal investigations in commercial and residential hubs. The precinct’s main administrative office is also closely linked to the Nassau County Executive's office in Mineola.
Commanding Structure and Key Personnel
Effective community policing relies heavily on strong, stable leadership, and the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) ensures this through a defined chain of command at the precinct level. The 3rd Precinct is led by a Commanding Officer who is responsible for all operational and administrative functions within its boundaries.
As of late 2025, the 3rd Precinct is commanded by Inspector Ciaccio. The command structure also includes a Deputy Commanding Officer, such as Deputy Inspector Skrynecki, who assists in managing the day-to-day operations and strategic deployment of officers. These leaders work directly under the supervision of the NCPD's hierarchy, which is ultimately accountable to the Nassau County Executive, Bruce Blakeman.
The precinct's leadership plays a crucial role in:
- Directing patrols and emergency response.
- Coordinating with specialized units, such as the Problem Oriented Policing Unit.
- Engaging with community stakeholders through precinct events and local meetings.
- Managing resources, including the precinct's main phone line (516-573-8800).
The continuity of command is vital, especially given the historical controversy surrounding the police consolidation. The current leadership is tasked with proving the efficiency and effectiveness of the consolidated precinct model by maintaining low crime rates and high levels of community trust.
2024-2025 Crime Trends and Active Enforcement
While Nassau County as a whole is frequently cited as one of the safest counties in the United States, the 3rd Precinct remains a highly active area for law enforcement. Recent crime statistics and arrest reports from 2024 and 2025 illustrate the ongoing challenges and the NCPD’s response.
According to data compiled by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Nassau County reported a total of 16,255 index crimes in 2024, generally maintaining low crime levels. However, analysis of the county's overall crime rate suggests a potential upward trend in property crimes, even as violent crimes, such as murder, remain comparably low. This shift often means a greater focus on issues like grand larceny, auto theft, and burglaries within the 3rd Precinct's boundaries.
The precinct’s officers have demonstrated active enforcement well into late 2025. Recent news flashes from the Nassau County Police Department highlight:
- December 2025 Arrests: The Third Squad reported the arrest of a Westbury man for an incident that occurred in New Cassel in early December 2025.
- Response to Disturbances: Third Precinct officers responded to a Bond Street residence for a disturbance, leading to an arrest.
- Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Success: Arrests of undomiciled individuals for specific incidents have been reported, often involving the specialized POP Unit, which targets persistent, localized issues.
This consistent activity shows that the 3rd Precinct is actively engaged in suppressing crime, particularly in high-activity areas like New Cassel and Westbury, which often require targeted, proactive policing efforts.
The Controversial Police Consolidation Legacy
No discussion of the 3rd Precinct is complete without acknowledging the police consolidation that took place over a decade ago. In 2012, the Nassau County Legislature voted to close half of its police precincts, including the merger of the 6th Precinct into the 3rd. This move was driven primarily by budget battles and fiscal concerns.
The decision sparked significant debate and opposition from local lawmakers and residents, particularly when crime rates in the 3rd Precinct area showed an increase—nearly 12 percent in 2016, a few years after the merger. Critics argued that the consolidation led to slower response times, decreased police visibility, and a strain on resources. Proponents, including the police administration at the time, countered that the consolidation was necessary for financial stability and that crime could be managed through smart deployment and specialized units.
Today, the 3rd Precinct operates as a testament to this structural change. Its success is measured by its ability to manage the expanded territory and diverse population while maintaining the county’s commitment to safety. The ongoing low index crime totals in Nassau County, even with the structural changes, suggest the NCPD has largely adapted to the new precinct model.
Community Engagement and Future Outlook
Community relations are a core component of the 3rd Precinct’s mission. The precinct regularly hosts community events and provides channels for residents to communicate directly with officers and command staff. Engagement initiatives are crucial for addressing local concerns and building trust, especially in communities that felt alienated by the precinct closures.
Entities like the Nassau County Police Department Foundation also play a supporting role, often coordinating with the precincts on training and resource allocation. For instance, the recent opening of the Harry Singh Police Training Village underscores the county's investment in modernizing police skills, which benefits officers across all precincts, including the 3rd.
The future of the 3rd Precinct will continue to be defined by its ability to leverage technology, utilize data-driven policing strategies, and maintain a strong presence in its vast jurisdiction. As the population of Central Nassau County evolves, the 3rd Precinct remains the steadfast guardian of public safety, committed to active enforcement and community partnership.
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