Chief Suzanne Hurteau is a distinguished law enforcement leader with three decades of dedicated service in the Southampton Village Police Department. Throughout her career, she has made history as the first female detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain within the department. Chief Hurteau spent three years as an undercover narcotics officer with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s East End Drug Task Force, where she participated in various wiretap investigations, executed search warrants, conducted surveillance operations and purchased narcotics from multiple dealers. In each role she earned the respect of her peers through her dedication to public safety, integrity and inclusive leadership.
In September of 2021, she was named the “Acting Chief of Police” at the rank of Lieutenant and was permanently appointed to the Chief of Police in July of 2023. Chief Hurteau is the first female Police Chief the department has had in its 130-year history. Chief Hurteau is dedicated to enhancing community safety, effective policing, and professional development within her department, focusing on ethical leadership, community engagement, and officer wellness.
Chief Hurteau’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus, which helped her sharpen her skills in the field. Her extensive experience spans overseeing the department operations and developing policies to improve law enforcement practices. As the Program Manager for the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, she played a crucial role in achieving re-accreditation in 2018 and 2023.
A strong proponent of community policing, Chief Hurteau, has initiated programs that strengthen the partnership between the police department and the citizens it serves. Her leadership prioritizes transparency, accountability, and innovation in modern policing. Throughout her career, she has been a fervent advocate for community engagement, believing that effective enforcement relies on strong partnerships. This commitment is exemplified by her initiative to establish roundtable discussions with Southampton High School students and police officers aimed at fostering communication and improving relations with local youth. Additionally, her proactive approach to addressing community concerns includes direct enforcement responses to alleviate traffic issues with the Village of Southampton.
Notably, Chief Hurteau’s career is marked by numerous accolades, including being named “DWI Top Cop” from 1998to 2002, receiving the Kiwanis Officer of the Yeat award in 2002 and earning 12 departmental commendations for outstanding service. Her extensive training, including participation in the FBI National Academy’s Comprehensive Resilience Program, reflects her commitment to continued professional development and excellence in law enforcement.
Chief Hurteau’s leadership philosophy emphasizes the essential role of community involvement in successful policing. She recognizes that fostering a safe environment necessitates collaboration between law enforcement and the community. A fundamental aspect of her vision is to build trust and resilience with both her department and the community. Her commitment to creating a more engaged and responsive police department continues to shape the future of policing in Southampton Village.
