Curran: Patrick Ryder is 'best choice' for Nassau police commissioner

<p>Patrick Ryder, who has been the acting commissioner of the Nassau County Police Department since July, was chosen by County Executive Laura Curran Wednesday to officially oversee the 2,500-member department.</p>

News 12 Staff

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Jan 24, 2018, 1:00 AM

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Updated 2,283 days ago

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Patrick Ryder, who has been the acting commissioner of the Nassau County Police Department since July, was chosen by County Executive Laura Curran Wednesday to officially oversee the 2,500-member department.

"It was clear that Patrick Ryder was the best choice for this position given his experience, his passion and his work ethic for the job," said Curran.

In the short time Ryder has served as acting commissioner, Curran says he has reduced crime and cut back on overtime.

"I want to make sure every day that I go in, I am putting 24 hours a day into this job," said Ryder.

Ryder, 55, says his priorities include implementing a strategic plan to deal with the opioid crisis and stepping up community policing.

"We need to build trust in the community and if we are going to move forward as an agency, we need the community as partners," said Ryder.

He will be making almost $250,000 each year, the same salary he was making as acting commissioner.

Ryder's appointment and salary is expected to be confirmed by the GOP-controlled Nassau County Legislature.

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