(10/05/06) MINEOLA ? Nassau police and union leaders butted heads again Thursday as the union told officers to apparently slow their emergency response for safety reasons.

Nassau Police Commissioner James Lawrence, in an effort to reduce costs, has been placing officers in unfamiliar precincts when staffing gaps need to be filled. In an e-mail message, PBA President Gary DelaRaba told officers that in an emergency they should respond only after meeting up with a cop familiar with the territory. In the e-mail acquired by News 12 Long Island DelaRaba writes, ?if you get a gun call, a baby stop breathing, violent mental aided, any call that requires two officers, meet at specific location then proceed.? Lawrence says a slowed response is wholly unacceptable and the union should be more responsible than to suggest otherwise.

PBA officials say a grievance will be filed with the Nassau County Police Department. This is the second cost-cutting move that has led to problems recently. In an effort to reduce overtime pay, operators say the 911 emergency lines have been understaffed and calls on the overnight shift have been routinely put on hold.

Related Information: Emergency callers put on hold amid staff shortage, Nassau operators say