New Southampton Police Chief on the Job

Thu, 05/23/2019 - 06:39

By Taylor K. Vecsey

May 4, 2017

Steven E. Skrynecki, named by the Southampton Town Board in September to take over as town police chief, was officially sworn in this week. His appointment was delayed several times for various reasons, but he took the oath of office at Town Hall on Monday.

Chief Skrynecki was initially scheduled to begin full time earlier this year, but it was postponed until March due to Civil Service regulations that required he use up accrued vacation time from his previous job before starting a new one. He served as the police chief, the second in command, in Nassau County and retired in January after 42 years with the department.

He worked two days a week as a consultant in Southampton. In March, his start date was delayed again for personal reasons. His appointment was made official by town board resolution on April 25.

Capt. Lawrence Schurek had been at the helm since Robert Pearce retired as chief in late September.

They Know When You've Been Bad or Good

East Hampton Village is now home to 14 Flock license plate reader surveillance cameras, which amounts to one for every 108 full-time residents, if you go by the 2020 census data. They're heralded by local police for aiding in enforcement and investigations, but they use a technology that has proven controversial nationally with those concerned about civil liberties.

Dec 25, 2025

On the Logs 12.25.25

Responding Sunday night to a noise complaint from Wainscott Hollow Road, an officer heard loud music from a house and knocked on the door. The woman who answered said they were having a Christmas party.

Dec 25, 2025

Defied a Restraining Order

An East Hampton man was charged with a felony last week, accused of violating an active order of protection.

Dec 24, 2025

Town Police Dept. Ready for New Duties

The East Hampton Town Police Department says it is ready to take on dispatch responsibilities starting in January when it assumes responsibilities from East Hampton Village and becomes the primary Public Safety Answering Point, or P.S.A.P., in the town.

Dec 18, 2025

Your support for The East Hampton Star helps us deliver the news, arts, and community information you need. Whether you are an online subscriber, get the paper in the mail, delivered to your door in Manhattan, or are just passing through, every reader counts. We value you for being part of The Star family.

Your subscription to The Star does more than get you great arts, news, sports, and outdoors stories. It makes everything we do possible.