By Amelia Anderson The Nassau County Police Department, commonly known as NCPD, is the principal county police agency serving large parts of Nassau County, New York. Its responsibilities include emergency response, neighbourhood patrol, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, marine policing, crime prevention and public-safety services.
NCPD operates through eight geographic precincts. However, it does not provide routine local policing to every city and village in Nassau County. Several incorporated communities maintain their own police departments. Residents should call 911 whenever police need to respond, even when the incident is not immediately life-threatening. For general information that does not require an officer, they may contact the appropriate precinct or Police Headquarters.
Nassau County Police Department Quick Information
| Information | Details |
| Official name | Nassau County Police Department |
| Common abbreviation | NCPD |
| Headquarters address | 1490 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501 |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Police Headquarters and switchboard | 516-573-8800 |
| Records Bureau | 516-573-7858 |
| Internal Affairs Unit | 516-573-7120 |
| Community Affairs | 516-573-7360 |
| Central Detectives Squad | 516-573-7717 |
| Missing Persons Section | 516-573-7717 |
| Highway Patrol Bureau | 516-573-8210 |
| Property Bureau | 516-573-7641 |
| Crime Stoppers | 1-800-244-TIPS |
| Detention Desk | 516-573-7668 |
| County | Nassau County |
| Number of police precincts | Eight |
| Correctional centre information | 516-572-4200 |
| Inmate Records | 516-572-3802 |
Nassau County Police Department Headquarters Address
Nassau County Police Headquarters is located at:
- 1490 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, New York 11501
The main Police Department switchboard number is 516-573-8800. This number can be used for general department information and assistance identifying the appropriate police unit.
People calling from outside Nassau County about an emergency occurring within NCPD jurisdiction may also use 516-573-8800 when they cannot directly reach Nassau County 911.
The headquarters houses police administration, the Records Bureau and several investigative and support commands. It is also the location for services such as accident-report collection, letters of conduct and certain fingerprinting requests.
Call 911 when:
- A crime is currently happening.
- Someone is injured or in danger.
- A firearm or another weapon is involved.
- A serious traffic collision has occurred.
- A suspect remains at or near the scene.
- Police need to respond to a location.
- Urgent police, fire or medical assistance is required.
NCPD advises people to call the local precinct only when there is no need for officers to respond. This differs from departments that advertise a separate countywide non-emergency dispatch number.
Important Nassau County Police Phone Numbers
| Police service | Phone number |
| Emergency response | 911 |
| Police Headquarters | 516-573-8800 |
| Records Bureau | 516-573-7858 |
| Internal Affairs Unit | 516-573-7120 |
| Community Affairs | 516-573-7360 |
| Central Detectives Squad | 516-573-7717 |
| Missing Persons Section | 516-573-7717 |
| Domestic Incident Liaison | 516-573-7381 |
| Highway Patrol Bureau | 516-573-8210 |
| Marine Bureau | 516-573-4450 |
| Property Bureau | 516-573-7641 |
| Pistol License Section | 516-573-7559 |
| Public Information Office | 516-573-7138 |
| Crime Stoppers | 1-800-244-8477 |
| Detention Desk | 516-573-7668 |
Specialised-unit numbers are mainly intended for information and case follow-up. A new crime or any incident requiring police attendance should be reported through 911.
Nassau County Police Precincts
NCPD divides its patrol jurisdiction into eight precincts. Each precinct handles calls for service, preliminary investigations, traffic complaints, neighbourhood concerns and local detective work within its assigned communities.
| Police precinct | Address | Phone number |
| First Precinct | 900 Merrick Road, Baldwin, NY 11510 | 516-573-6100 |
| Second Precinct | 7700 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797 | 516-573-6200 |
| Third Precinct | 214 Hillside Avenue, Williston Park, NY 11596 | 516-573-6300 |
| Fourth Precinct | 1699 Broadway, Hewlett, NY 11557 | 516-573-6400 |
| Fifth Precinct | 1655 Dutch Broadway, Elmont, NY 11003 | 516-573-6500 |
| Sixth Precinct | 100 Community Drive East, Manhasset, NY 11030 | 516-573-6600 |
| Seventh Precinct | 3636 Merrick Road, Seaford, NY 11783 | 516-573-6700 |
| Eighth Precinct | 299 Hicksville Road, Bethpage, NY 11714 | 516-573-6800 |
Precinct boundaries do not always follow ZIP codes, school districts or commonly used community names. Residents who are unsure which precinct serves an address can call Police Headquarters and provide the exact incident location.
A precinct can assist with general enquiries, delayed reports, fingerprinting and communication with officers or detectives assigned to a case. However, calling a precinct is not a substitute for 911 when police response is needed.
Does NCPD Serve All of Nassau County?
NCPD serves large portions of Nassau County, including many unincorporated communities and villages that do not maintain separate police forces.
However, several communities operate their own municipal police departments. These include:
- City of Long Beach
- City of Glen Cove
- Village of Freeport
- Village of Garden City
- Village of Hempstead
- Village of Rockville Centre
- Village of Lynbrook
- Village of Floral Park
- Village of Malverne
- Village of Sands Point
- Village of Kings Point
- Village of Old Westbury
Other small villages also maintain local police agencies or receive service through special arrangements.
The incident location determines which department should take the report. A Nassau County mailing address does not automatically mean NCPD is the responsible agency. During an emergency, call 911 and allow dispatchers to route the request correctly.
Main NCPD Commands and Specialised Units
The eight precincts are supported by countywide investigative, patrol and support commands.
Major investigative services include:
- Homicide investigations
- Robbery investigations
- Property crimes
- Fraud and forgery
- Missing-person cases
- Domestic incidents
- Bias-crime investigations
- Narcotics and vice enforcement
- Fugitive investigations
- Sex-offender registration
- Forensic evidence examination
The department also operates Highway Patrol, Marine Bureau, Emergency Services, Aviation, Mounted and other specialised units.
A case may begin with a precinct patrol officer. It may later be transferred to a precinct detective squad or a countywide specialised squad depending on the seriousness and nature of the offence.
How to File a Nassau County Police Report
Call 911 when an officer needs to respond. This includes delayed crimes when evidence must be collected, a suspect is known or the victim needs an official report taken at the location.
People may also visit the precinct serving the incident area for certain delayed or administrative matters. Calling first is advisable because the appropriate reporting procedure depends on the offence.
When making a police report, provide:
- The exact incident location
- Date and approximate time
- Names or descriptions of involved people
- Witness contact information
- Vehicle descriptions and registration numbers
- Photographs or security recordings
- Receipts and property serial numbers
- Details of lost, stolen or damaged items
NCPD does not promote a general online system for filing ordinary crime reports in the same way as some large municipal departments. Its online services are mainly used for records, permits, accident reports and other administrative requests.
Obtaining Police Records
Requests for police case reports, arrest reports and other departmental records may be submitted under New York’s Freedom of Information Law, commonly called FOIL.
The request should provide:
- Case or report number
- Date of the incident
- Exact address
- Names of people involved
- Type of record requested
- Requester’s relationship to the incident
A person requesting records for somebody else may need notarised authorisation. Identification may also be required before records containing personal information can be released.
Some material may be removed or withheld when it concerns juveniles, protected victims, confidential witnesses or an active investigation.
Keep the FOIL reference number after submitting a request. It may be required for checking its status or communicating with the Records Bureau.
Obtaining an Accident Report
Motor-vehicle accident reports are normally available online approximately 48 hours after the crash has been processed.
A requester generally needs one of the following:
- Accident-report number
- Involved person’s first and last name with the incident date
- Involved person’s name with the accident location
Accident reports can also be obtained in person at Police Headquarters. The listed in-person fee is $25, while the authorised online service generally charges $27.
In-person report services are normally available Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Accepted payments include qualifying credit cards, debit cards and postal money orders. Cash and personal checks are not accepted at headquarters.
Access may be limited to involved people and certain authorised family or estate representatives.
Fingerprinting and Letters of Conduct
Non-criminal fingerprinting is available at Police Headquarters and at the eight precincts.
Applicants should bring:
- The required fingerprint card
- Valid photo identification
- Proof of Nassau County residence
A non-resident employed in Nassau County may need a letter from the employer confirming employment. The listed fee is $20 per fingerprint card.
The Records Bureau also provides a Nassau County Letter of Conduct. It states whether the applicant has an arrest record in Nassau County Police files. It is not a statewide or nationwide criminal-history check.
The listed fee for a Letter of Conduct is $30, and valid photo identification is required.
Property and Towed Vehicles
The NCPD Property Bureau can be contacted at 516-573-7641.
Property held as evidence cannot normally be released until the investigator, prosecutor or court authorises it. Owners may need to provide valid identification, proof of ownership and the police case number.
NCPD does not use one public countywide tow yard for every police-ordered removal. The storage location may depend on the precinct, reason for towing and towing company assigned to the incident.
A vehicle owner should contact the precinct that ordered the tow or call Police Headquarters. Be prepared to provide the licence plate number, vehicle identification number, registered owner’s name and location from which the vehicle was removed.
Nassau County Police and County Jail Services
NCPD officers make arrests, but the Police Department does not operate the county correctional centre.
The Nassau County Correctional Center is operated by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department and is located at:
- 100 Carman Avenue
- East Meadow, New York 11554
The general information number is 516-572-4200. Inmate Records can be contacted at 516-572-3802.
People seeking information about custody status, visitation, booking or facility procedures should contact the Sheriff’s Department rather than a police precinct.
Visits normally require advance scheduling. Walk-in visits may not be permitted, and visitors are subject to identification and security requirements.
Complaints About Nassau County Police Employees
A complaint can be submitted at any NCPD facility by asking to speak with a supervisor.
The Internal Affairs Unit can be contacted at 516-573-7120. Written complaints may also be mailed to:
- Internal Affairs Unit
- Nassau County Police Department
- 1490 Franklin Avenue
- Mineola, NY 11501
A complaint should include the incident date, time, location, officer’s name or badge number when known, witnesses and any photographs or recordings.
The complainant generally receives a complaint number. An investigating supervisor may make contact when additional information is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Nassau County Police have a non-emergency number?
A: NCPD does not advertise a separate countywide non-emergency dispatch number like many city departments. Call 911 when police need to respond. Contact the local precinct when no police response is required.
Q: Can I report an incident at any NCPD precinct?
A: A precinct may provide assistance, but the precinct responsible for the incident location is usually best placed to handle the report and follow-up. Call first when you are unsure.
Q: Does NCPD serve the City of Long Beach?
A: No. Long Beach has its own police department. Incidents within Long Beach city limits should normally be reported to the Long Beach Police Department.
Q: Can I obtain an accident report two days after the crash?
A: Possibly. Reports are generally available online approximately 48 hours after processing, but complex crashes may take longer.
Q: Can somebody else request my police report?
A: Yes, in certain circumstances. The requester may need notarised authorisation and identification proving their authority to receive the record.
Q: Does NCPD operate the Nassau County Correctional Center?
A: No. The facility is operated by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department. NCPD investigates crimes and makes arrests but does not manage the jail.
Q: Can I get fingerprinted at a precinct?
A: Yes. All eight precincts provide qualifying non-criminal fingerprinting. Bring the correct fingerprint card, identification and proof of residence or employment.
Q: Is a Letter of Conduct a nationwide background check?
A: No. It covers qualifying Nassau County Police records only. It does not replace a New York State or FBI criminal-history check.
Q: How do I find a vehicle towed by NCPD?
A: Contact the precinct responsible for the tow or call Police Headquarters. Have the licence plate number, vehicle identification number and registered owner’s information ready.
Q: Can I file an anonymous complaint against an officer?
A: A complaint may be initiated without complete identifying details, but providing contact information can help the investigator request clarification and report the result.
Samantha Paul