Riverhead Police Department
Riverhead Police Department
Riverhead, NY
The Riverhead Police Department was nominated by Salvatore Barreta of Premier Financial Alliance.
The Riverhead Police Department has a strong track record of relationship-building and community engagement. Since 2016, officers have participated in Coffee with a Cop, an annual program where law enforcement officers have coffee with residents at local cafes and delis. The program aims to foster positive interactions between officers and community members outside of crisis situations.
The department has also participated in a Medication Take Back program spearheaded by the Riverhead Community Coalition for Safe and Drug-Free Youth. This program has collected nearly 15,000 pounds of unwanted prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from residents through take-back events and a permanent drop box. In May 2026, the department partnered with the coalition for a community take-back event at the Town Highway Yard, where officers accepted properly sealed medications from residents with the goal of preventing prescription drug abuse.
Finally, Riverhead Police participate in the annual National Night Out, a family-oriented community event designed to strengthen police-community relationships. At the 2025 event, officers hosted residents at Town Square with a free barbecue, games, giveaways, K-9 and drone demonstrations, police equipment displays, and opportunities for residents to simply talk with officers. The department also encouraged neighborhood porch vigils as part of the event.
