By Hank Russell
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman held a press conference on July 11 to sign an executive order that allows federal, state and local law enforcement officers to wear face coverings so that they can protect their identities, but only in certain circumstances when on duty. Before wearing masks, they must get approval from department heads.
During a press conference announcing the executive order, Blakeman spoke out against critics of Nassau County’s previous mask legislation and their contrasting opinions on protecting the identities of law enforcement officers.
“What I find very troubling is the very same people who criticized our mask law are the same people who are saying law enforcement officers in the performance of their duty can’t wear a mask to protect their identity if they’re involved in a sensitive investigation…or if they’re involved in an exercise where it may be dangerous to them or their family. The hypocrisy of their opinion is startling,” Blakeman said.
According to Blakeman’s office, the executive order comes in the wake of a new bill that would ban ICE agents from wearing masks to conceal their identities while working in New York City. County Executive Blakeman derided the legislation and the decisions made by the New York City Council as being pro-criminal and un-American.
“I think they’re out of their mind, I think that they will destroy the city, and I think they will make law enforcement in the Metropolitan area, including Nassau County, much more difficult,” he said.
However, some opposed the executive order. “There is a trust that the minorities have with the police department based on many years of working together,” Luis Mendez, former deputy director of the Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs, told News 12 Long Island. “This order could be harmful in the long run.”
Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove), told Newsday that the executive order “a quiet admission that his original law is most likely illegal. We proposed a clear, constitutional alternative focused on actual criminal conduct. Instead, the county executive chose a political headline over sound policy, and now he’s scrambling to patch the consequences.”
Blakeman said Nassau County police are continuing to do everything they can to protect our residents, and the policies enacted by the Blakeman administration have already led to better outcomes. Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder noted during the press conference that major crimes in Nassau County are down 15% year-to-date, further underscoring Nassau’s position as the safest county in the U.S.
“We are very, very proud and grateful for all our law enforcement officers, especially our Nassau County Police Department, our Sheriff’s Department, our Probation Department, and all the men and women who do the things necessary to protect our county,” Blakeman said. “We have their back.”