Steven E. Skrynecki
Chief of Department
Nassau County Police Department
In his leadership role within the law enforcement community, Chief Steven Skrynecki has contributed greatly to the safety and security of Nassau County schools. Among his most effective initiatives is the monthly Schools Safety Committee meeting with Nassau County Superintendents. The committee works to address current safety issues and, as a result, has developed a number of successful strategies.
The committee established a notification group through the NCPD's information network to alert superintendents of potential dangers in their districts, as well as a SMART 911 emergency response system specific to schools. Based on the committee's recommendation, the NCPD is working with Nassau BOCES and local districts to implement a video-link system that will allow dispatchers and police officers to view a school's interior building and grounds when responding to an emergency. The committee also provides numerous training workshops for schools on emergency response procedures, as well as exercises and drills to test those procedures.
Chief Skrynecki has a distinguished career in law enforcement that spans more than four decades. He first rose through the ranks from uniformed Police Officer to Detective. He then moved steadily from Sergeant, to Lieutenant, to Captain, before rising to the ranks of Deputy Inspector, Inspector, Deputy Chief and Chief. After serving as Chief of Detectives, he proudly took the helm as Chief of Department.
Chief Skrynecki has an extensive background that runs the gamut from community relations and budgeting, to investigative work and undercover operations. In addition, he has been specially trained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Certified Hostage Negotiator.
Chief Skrynecki has received numerous awards including the United States Department of Justice Award for Public Service, the Nassau County Medal of Distinguished Service, the Nassau County award for Meritorious Police Service, and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. He has also been honored by the American Society for Industrial Security as a Long Island Law Enforcement Liaison and named Person of the Year by the Nassau County Police Reserves.
"Throughout Chief Steven Skrynecki's career, he has always made Nassau County schools a priority," wrote his award nominator. "He is highly respected by all of the county's superintendents, who rely on his expertise on a daily basis. Chief Skrynecki is truly an unsung hero for education in Nassau County."
