Traffic Safety Committee Minutes - April 22nd, 2026

Meeting Called to Order:  11:00 A.M.

Roll Call:  Deputy Chief David Regina, Suffolk County PD, Director of Public Safety Richard Tantalo, Monroe County, Chief Kenzie Spaulding, Corning PD, Chief William Worden, Port Jervis PD, Commissioner (ret.) Kenneth Jackson, Garden City PD, Chief Charles Dobson, Lake Placid PD, Chief (ret.) Daniel Denz, West Seneca PD (NYSACOP Traffic Safety Services Coordinator), Chief (ret.) Michael Geraci, Schenectady PD (NYSACOP TSOL), Director, Training & Administration (ret.) Frank Galerie, NYS Attorney General’s Office (NYSACOP GTSC LEL), Assistant Chief (ret.) William Georges, Albany PD (NYSACOP TSOL & TSC Chairman)

Leave of Absence: Chief (ret.) Joseph Sinagra, Saugerties PD
 

Guests: No guests this meeting

Approval of February 25, 2026 Committee Meeting Minutes (March meeting cancelled):

1st:      Deputy Chief Regina
2nd:    Chief Spaulding

Old Business/Updates:

• NYS TAP Committee/DRE Issues:

Nothing to report.
 

• Warning Tickets:

Chairman Georges reported that there has been no progress since the last meeting and that he will keep the TSC members updated re: any progress and/or alternative action plans.
 

• E-Bikes, Ride Outs, Dirt Bikes & ATVs:

Deputy Chief Regina reported that he has received numerous requests to conduct e-bike enforcement training on Long Island. He also discussed recent e-bike crashes and enforcement initiatives within Suffolk County, including a press conference the SCPD Commissioner is holding on April 23, 2026.

Commissioner (ret.) Jackson reported on e-bike issues in Nassau County and recent problems in Queens County regarding street takeovers and ride-outs.

• Courtroom Testimony Training:

Chairman Georges updated the TSC members on the progress of collaboration with the NYS TSRPs re: courtroom testimony training.

Director Tantalo reported on a courtroom testimony training course being conducted by the Monroe County DA’s Office.

• MPTC Basic Course for Police Officers, Vehicle Stops & Traffic Enforcement Course:

NYSACOP GTSC LEL Galerie reported that all is on schedule regarding this project. DCJS will be selecting which municipal agencies they will have involved going forward and distribute a Job Analysis Survey to only those agencies.

• Transition to Crash Record information System & New Versions of Police Crash Reports:

TSSC Denz relayed there is nothing new to report on this transition. He recently discussed this with NYSP Sgt Hedges who said to proceed as usual in CHARMS and NICHE until they put out an update.

• Traffic Safety Engagement and Crash Data Review:

Chief Dobson reported on a tour bus crash in his region that resulted in numerous students being injured.

• Outreach to Regional Chiefs of Police Associations: 

NYSACOP GTSC LEL Galerie reported that there is a Recruitment & Retention Summit being hosted by the NYSSA, in conjunction with NYSACOP, in the Capitol Region. He and Chief Dobson, along with the Assistant Chief of the Cohoes PD, are participating.

• Outreach to NYSACOP Major City Chiefs:

Nothing to report.

• GTSC Update/Issues: 

NYSACOP GTSC LEL Galerie reminded the TSC members that the FY27 Grant window is now open and applications are due by May 1st. He also briefly discussed some reorganizational endeavors in the GTSC office.

• NYSACOP Zones 1 & 2 Points of Contact Meeting, Nassau Co. Police Academy, March 4th:

Chairman Georges briefed the TSC on the outcome of the meeting and thanked both Commissioner (ret.) Jackson and Deputy Chief Regina for their participation in the event.

• NYSACOP – DCJS Police Executive Training Seminar, week of March 23rd, Albany Marriott Hotel, Colonie, N.Y:

Chairman Georges briefed the TSC on the event.

• Other:

Nothing further to report.

Upcoming Events:

• ESLETS Conference, (New Dates) April 27 & 28, Saratoga, Springs, N.Y:

Chairman Georges briefed the TSC on the event and polled them on their anticipated attendance.

• NYS Law Enforcement Recognition Event, April 28th, Albany Capital Center, Albany, N.Y:

Chairman Georges briefed the TSC on the event and informed them of Deputy Regina’s and TSSC Denz’s anticipated attendance.

• NYSACOP Annual Conference, May 18-21, 2026, Lake Placid, N.Y:

Chairman Georges briefed the TSC on the event and polled them on their anticipated attendance.

New Business:

• NYSACOP Pilot E-Bike Enforcement Training:

Chairman Georges briefed the TSC on the successful outcome of the pilot program and thanked Deputy Chief Regina for all his efforts in the event.

• Interlock Reform Legislation (A.2703-A/S.2517-A):

Chairman Georges informed the group that he had received a request from Chris Cernick, General Counsel for the NYS STOP-DWI Association, seeking consideration of a formal statement of support for pending interlock reform legislation. The Chair will distribute the draft legislation to TSC members for review and asked that members indicate their support or opposition. If a majority supports the proposal, the Chair will pursue NYSACOP Board of Governors approval to submit a letter of support.

• National Law Enforcement Liaison Association:

TSOL Geraci reported that he attended the inaugural meeting of the National Law Enforcement Liaison Association, held in Baltimore, Maryland on April 18. During the meeting, a slate of officers and a Board of Directors were elected. Retired New Jersey LEL Chief Mike Morris was elected to the Board and will represent New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the New England states. The Association’s mission is to strengthen connections among LELs nationwide, support the delivery of training, and enhance traffic safety efforts.

• Other:

Chief Spalding reported on a new pamphlet she had received entitled “V&T Law for E-Scooters,” a quick reference guide produced for law enforcement by the New York State Department of Health. She distributed an electric copy to all TSC members as the committee was not aware of the guide. The Chair will follow up with the Department of Health to obtain additional information.

Chairman Georges announced that TSSC Dan Denz will be retiring effective June 1st and there is currently no information available re: his replacement. Further discussion will take place at the May TSC meeting.

Follow-up Activities/Assignments:

• TSC Meetings with Traffic Safety Partners/Guests:

Chairman Georges will invite the two NYS Traffic Safety Resource Prosectors to be guests/present an upcoming TSC meeting.

• Topics for “Intersections” , podcasts, etc., including guest contributors:

Director Tantalo will follow up with staff from the Monroe County Department of Public Safety regarding an Intersections article they will be submitting for the June issue of The Chief’s Chronicle.

• Other:

Nothing further to report.

Next Meeting:

Motion to Adjourn:

1st:  Chief Worden
2nd:  Chief Dobson

Meeting adjourned at 11:55 A.M.