Meet the new 7th Precinct Inspector Jim O'Leary
by Tiffany Elliott

As a young boy growing up in the Bronx and Nassau County, Jim O'Leary watched his father go to work every day, serving the public as a New York City Police Officer. That had a profound influence on his own life and when making the decision of what career path to choose, he followed in his fathers' footsteps becoming a Nassau CountyPolice Officer .

Now, the 22-year veteran serves as the new Commanding Officer of the Seventh Precinct, having assumed that post formerly held by the popular Commanding Officer, Arthur Thompson, a resident of Massapequa Park, who retired after a long and successful police career, in December.

"It's great to return to the Seventh, but I have some big shoes to fill," said O'Leary, who was assigned to the Seventh Precinct at one point during his police career. He added that the area is a great place to work.

The seventh precinct, based in Seaford, covers the Massapequa and Massapequa Park areas as well as Bellmore, Merrick, Seaford and Wantagh.

"This area is a bedroom community, which means that we don't have much crime and it's a nice place to live and work," said O'Leary. "Our Officers respond primarily to quality-of-life and safety complaints," said the new commander.

Pointing out that helping to maintain a good relationship between the police and the community is an important part of his job, O'Leary said police have to help educate the public, making them aware of how to protect themselves and their property. That includes holding community meetings, working with business owners, civic groups and public officials and "arming" them with information. "We spend time interacting with the public to see what's important to them through our community forums and work to prevent crime from happening here," said O'Leary. "It could be something as simple as reminding them not to leave any valuables in their cars or to lock their doors."

O'Leary, 44, also spent part of his career at the fourth and fifth precincts, as well as in the Nassau County Police Department's Records Bureau and North Squad Detective Division. He said he plans to work to maintain the strong relationship that exists between the community and the police department.

In his spare time, the Nassau County resident likes to play golf and spend quality time with his wife and three children. That, and reacquainting himself with the area he now serves.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
News: March 25, 2008	1
PLEASE MEET: Candidates for Fire District Commissioners' seats in...	1