A group that represents black police officers is demanding action after a Plainview doctor possibly exposed cops to hepatitis C and HIV.

The head of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement's Long Island chapter said Sunday he feels obligated to defend the 23 NYPD officers. They are among Dr. Harvey Finkelstein's 600 patients.

"There should be free medical screening for those 23 officers as well as the 600 people," said Corey Pegues, of NOBLE. "We are also calling for the immediate suspension of his license until the full investigation has concluded by the state Health Department."

Pegues is urging all NYPD members who have come in contact with Finkelstein to get tested since the officers have not been identified.

Health officials have said Finkelstein reused syringes, possibly contaminating different vials of medicine. The dangerous practice has resulted in at least two confirmed hepatitis C infections on Long Island.

On Friday, Gov. Spitzer criticized the state Health Department and called for a probe into why it took officials three years to notify the public of the risk.

Finkelstein has refused to talk on camera, but said in a statement that he has always been there for his patients and will continue to do so.Related information: