Suffolk cops to focus on school bus safety

September 10, 2009 by SOPHIA CHANG / sophia.chang@newsday.com

With the ringing of school bells starting this week, Suffolk County police are also enhancing patrols and enforcement around campuses and buses.

The police will take a "zero tolerance approach with motorists who pass stopped school buses and place our children in danger," according to a news release from the department.

The department will also conduct selective enforcement patrols and safety checkpoints in areas near schools. The initiative is a coordinated effort that involves patrol officers and Community Oriented Police Enforcement units.

"Keeping our children safe is a top priority," said Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy in the police news release Thursday. "This enforcement program serves as an important reminder that drivers should always be alert and follow the rules of the road."