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Committees Vote In Favor Of Nassau County's Community Policing Plan

MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) --  Nassau County's Public Safety, Finance and Rules committees each voted in favor of a controversial plan to consolidate the county's police precincts.

The full legislature will vote on the move in two weeks on February 27th.

Last month, County Executive Ed Mangano announced a new Community Policing Plan which includes the closing of four of the area's eight police precincts.

1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports

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The plan would also move 48 police officers from desk jobs to so-called "problem-oriented police positions."

Mangano said the plan will save taxpayers up to $20 million a year, eliminating over 100 desk jobs and slashing overtime costs.

If the plan is approved by three committees on Monday it will go to the full legislature for a vote on Feb. 27.

LISTEN: WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs Reports

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The plan has been met with criticism by county residents who feel their safety will be jeopardized.

Nassau Police Closure Rally Mineola
Rally against Nassau County police precinct closures - Mineola, NY - Feb 13, 2012 (credit: Mike Xirinachs / WCBS 880)

Clara Pomerantz, of East Hills, protested outside the meeting Monday. She fears fewer police officers will be present in the neighborhood but Mangano said no patrol officers would be taken off the streets under the plan.

Over the weekend, outraged PBA members and residents came together to fight a proposal.

What do you think of the plan? Let us know below...

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