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Plan Afoot In Suffolk To Merge County, Parks Police

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A plan has been launched to merge parks police with county police departments in Suffolk County.

As WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reported Saturday, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said there are multiple benefits to merging county police with park police – financial benefits among them.

Plan Afoot In Suffolk To Merge County, Parks Police

"That will save tax payers $13.4 million over the next several years," Bellone said.

The savings would mostly be in overtime costs. But Bellone said the merger would also allow for better use of parks police during the offseason on roadways.

"(It's a) win-win for tax payers; saves money and provides more coverage," he said.

The merger needs state approval before it can happen.

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