Suffolk Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart released numbers Tuesday that indicated a drop in violent crimes.

Hart said figures for murder, rape and assault dropped in Suffolk, but cautioned that coronavirus-related budget cuts could hinder policing.

Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone says a lack of federal aid left him with no choice but to cut their 2021 budget.

"The Suffolk County Police Department is out there everyday doings its job keeping this community safe," says Bellone. "We need you to do your job provide the funding that's necessary to support our police, support public health."

Among the cuts is an incoming class of 200 new police recruits.