Police step up presence near Mastic Beach library following safety concerns

Expect to see more police patrolling Neighborhood Road in Mastic Beach. I feel safe in my community, but I see why other people feel unsafe. As News 12 reported, the library is shortening its hours and planning on moving to a program-only model because of safety concerns. Someone using the computer to do a drug deal. Someone, um... Let's say that we have someone that brandishes a weapon. Suffolk police say they are taking new security measures in light of concern about activity outside of the library, too. They're using the street, you know, to change their clothes or, you know, go to the bathroom, things like that. Maybe smoking, maybe smoking marijuana, maybe drinking. Starting next week, Suffolk police will be setting up a trailer here on this property directly across from the library so officers can keep an eye out on Neighborhood Road. Probably issued ban letters at least once a week. The library director says it's a challenge to press trespassing charges once someone causing an issue leaves the property, but they're also adding their own security guards. We also did a staff survey and staff expressed concerns about working here. The library will be closed from January to March as staff make adjustments inside for an after-school program and art, GED, and English classes. In Mastic Beach, Suffolk County, Logan Crawford, News 12. Now, according to the library under the new model, you'll still be able to reserve a book and pick it up in Mastic Beach, or you can visit other branches in Shirley and Moriches.