Kevin Catalina, previously of the NYPD, has been inaugurated as the new police commissioner of Suffolk after an overwhelming affirmation by the county legislature in Riverhead. A multitude of supporters from law enforcement, family, and others densely filled the Maxine S. Postal Auditorium. Catalina, being declared as the 16th commissioner of the force’s 65-year existence, was welcomed with vigorous applause upon a unanimous vote of 17-0 favoring his confirmation.
Catalina, who’s 57 now, took the oath of his new position from Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine and County Clerk Vincent Puleo immediately after obtaining approval. The necessary endorsement for Catalina’s nomination took place seamlessly during the previous week’s Public Service Committee gathering. Suffolk legislator Rob Trotta abstained from voting on Tuesday.
With 27 years of service in the NYPD and five years as an undersheriff under Suffolk Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr., Catalina is no stranger to law enforcement. He joined the ranks of the Suffolk County Police Department in a deputy commissioner capacity under acting Commissioner Robert Waring as of January 2024.
Catalina expressed to lawmakers about his deep-rooted aspiration to be a Suffolk County Police force member, stating that the chance was something he could not forego. Suffolk police’s success in suppressing violent crime over the years was praised by Catalina, who noted that it opens avenues for the department to address other issues such as drug overdose and traffic accidents.
Optimistic about the trajectory ahead, Catalina conveyed, ‘We are at a historical low-point in crime rates, with plans to diminish it even further. The accomplishments we bagged in the previous year pave the way for effective resource reallocation. Improving road safety is among our top priorities.’
Both Democrats and Republicans perceived Catalina’s career background as highly favorable before their vote. They believe his experience has groomed him well to steer the force, which boasts of being one of the largest law-enforcement agencies in the country with approximately 2400 officers.
Legis. Steven Flotteron, the chairman of the Public Safety Committee, reflected on his past encounters with Catalina during his tenure in the sheriff’s office, describing Catalina as distinguished. ‘Quiet, strength, and intelligence. We are indeed fortunate to have you in this county’, he commented.
The years that Catalina spent with the NYPD groomed him sufficiently for heading a leading law enforcement agency, he admittied. ‘My tenure at NYPD involved a lot of gang enforcement, intelligence, and counterterrorism work. However, what I value the most is the seven years spent as a precinct commander. This role imbibed the significance of community relations in successful policing.’, Catalina voiced.
The Suffolk police department welcomes Catalina, who is taking over from another NYPD ex-official, Rodney K. Harrison. Harrison, the first Black Suffolk police commissioner, stepped down from his role in December 2023, following the election of Romaine as county commissioner.
As Catalina took over the reins, Romaine recalled his announcement of Catalina’s nomination as commissioner the prior week. Romaine shared that Waring expressed his desire to revert to his previous role as the chief of the department.
During Catalina’s tenure at NYPD, he ascended to the position of deputy chief and manned units accountable for intelligence analysis and preventing gang-related crimes. He has held leadership roles in organizing and managing some of the city’s notable events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the New York City Marathon.
Catalina wasted no time integrating himself with the local community during his tenure in the sheriff’s office and as deputy commissioner. ‘Building relationships with different community groups has been a significant part of my journey. It is essential for them to trust us for an open dialog about potential issues and discuss the way ahead.’
This new position for Catalina is not just a leadership role; it’s an opportunity to bring in a wealth of experience and insights. With the Suffolk police department having made significant strides in recently reducing violent crime rates, Catalina stepping in means newer challenges can now be addressed.
Stepping up from his recent role of deputy commissioner, Catalina’s diverse career path, which includes community relations, intelligence, counterterrorism, and precinct leadership, makes him a suitable candidate to head the department.
Catalina’s tenure will set the course for the Suffolk police department, with his sound judgement based on his prior experience and his keen focus on issues such as road safety and crime prevention. The department can expect to accomplish much under his guidance.
Catalina foresees a bright future for the police department and the county under his leadership. With plans to further reduce crime rates and reallocate resources effectively, Suffolk County can look forward to significant advancements in its law enforcement efforts.