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LD 18 - Legislator Stephanie Bontempi

Posted on: September 6, 2022

Legislator Bontempi Tours Essential County Facility, Considers Recommendations

Doctor Sidney B. Weinberg Center for Forensic Sciences

Hauppauge, NY – Recently, Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-L.D. 18) toured the Doctor Sidney B. Weinberg Center for Forensic Sciences, which houses the Suffolk County medical examiner’s office, the crime laboratory and other vital Suffolk County entities.  The purpose of participating in the guided tour was to become familiarized with the numerous operations that take place within the facility and to determine future funding needs.

Bontempi joined with a number of her legislative colleagues, in addition to the commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Public Works and a representative of the county executive’s office, among others.  Those on the tour had varying degrees of familiarity with the building, but all quickly became aware of how much activity occurs within its walls and the need for improvements.  From the morgue, to the forensics laboratory, to the public and environmental health laboratory, the building constantly delivers essential specialized services, despite the deteriorating conditions of the premises.

“I was tremendously impressed by the amount of expertise in the building, in addition to the wide variety of services provided,” said Bontempi.  “However, we can and must do a much better job regarding the condition of this facility which is virtually cobbled together at this point.  The people that work here are the men and women who help solve crimes, provide answers to mysteries and keep us healthy; they deserve better.”

Part of the discussion that occurred over the course of the tour included the dire need for the repair of facility components such as, but not limited to its aging roof and ventilation system.  Also, it was suggested by employees that they have essentially outgrown the building due to increasing demands for its services and its need to remain in good standing with its various accreditations.  

“Hearing that the United States actually has a shortage of medical examiners underlined how lucky we are to have this facility and the qualified professionals who operate it,” added Bontempi.  “The legislature is certainly going to take what we saw and learned under advisement, as we really need to ensure that services continue at optimal levels.”

To learn more about the services rendered at the Doctor Sidney B. Weinberg Center for Forensic Sciences, visit: https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Medical-Examiner. 


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