New $500K Auxiliary Police HQ Opens

The volunteers of the Rockville Centre Auxiliary Police force have moved in to their new headquarters building at Centennial/Mill River Park.   

Through a combination of state and county grants and village capital funds, the $500,000 project tore down the dilapidated former structure and replaced it with a modern, well-equipped building with bathroom facilities for the nearby parks, fields and basketball courts.   

“This project is part of our efforts to improve our parklands on the south side of the village,” Mayor Fran Murray said.  

“We are very excited to move in to our new home,” said Auxiliary Police Chief Jerry Chafetz, who said he hopes it will help recruit new members.

Auxiliary police officers receive basic police training and serve at accidents, emergencies and special events. They also patrol in marked vehicles, acting as the “eyes and ears” of the police department in helping prevent criminal activity.

The 18 members of the auxiliary force contribute about 3,000 hours of voluntary service a year.

Candidates for the auxiliary police must be at least 18, a resident of Nassau County, a citizen of the United States; must possess a valid New York State driver’s license and at least a high school diploma; and must submit to a physical examination, fingerprinting and a background check.

Those interested in joining the police auxiliary should contact Chief Chafetz by calling 516-678-9333.