Nassau County Executive Laura Curran has announced recent and upcoming efforts to gather input from stakeholders and residents regarding ways to strengthen Nassau’s community policing model. Nassau County is on track to complete Governor Andrew Cuomo’s ‘New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative’ Executive Order 203, which requires the Nassau County Legislature to approve a plan presented by the County Executive for filing with New York State no later than April 1, 2021.
County Executive Curran is calling for community input through three forums: PACT, the Commissioner’s Community Council meetings, and upcoming virtual town hall meetings. The County has set up a website, (www.nassaucountyny.gov/EO203) for residents to learn more about the Governor’s Executive Order and to submit comments for consideration by the County at EO203@NassauCountyNY.gov.
“Community policing and fostering close relationships is what we do best in Nassau, and we are fortifying our commitment to that model. The County is stepping up our engagement with diverse communities in order to make sure all voices are heard. My Administration remains committed to moving Nassau County forward with positive steps that improve public safety while building trust between police and the communities they serve,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.
PACT
The Nassau County Police and Community Trust (PACT) is an initiative by County Executive Curran aimed at building trust, transparency, and a constructive dialogue in Nassau about policing. PACT brings together law enforcement, protest organizers, and community stakeholders to provide a forum to engage in frank conversations about policing strategies and issues of concern for residents. PACT has met four times to date, hearing comments from community advocates, NCPD Chief of Department Stephen Palmer, officials from the Department of Health and Human Services, and faith-based organizations.
Under Executive Order 203, PACT and the Nassau County Police Department will now begin a series of meetings with additional stakeholders to hear presentations on policing policies and strategies. Invited community representative include the District Attorney’s Office, Legal Aid Society, LGBT Network, Long Island Advocates for Police Accountability, National Action Network and the Nassau County offices of the Sheriff, Physically Challenged and Civil Service.
Commissioner’s Community Council
Nassau County maintains and fosters relationships with community stakeholders through the Commissioner’s Community Council (CCC), which formed in 2019. The CCC includes more than 200 members in total, comprised of diverse community stakeholders from each of the 19 County legislative districts (LDs). The CCC provides additional community feedback on important issues which assists the NCPD in its mission of community-oriented policing. Commissioner Ryder convened the Council for four meetings in the month of August, including on August 12 (LD 8, 9, 12, 14, 17), August 19 (LD 10, 11, 13, 15, 19), August 20 (LD 1, 2, 4, 5), and August 26 (LD 3, 6, 7, 16, 18).
Additional meetings will take place throughout the fall. Commissioner Ryder has also continued community interaction through virtual methods, including recent Zoom meetings with the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association in Hempstead/Uniondale, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and a group of local Hispanic civic leaders seeking input for Executive Order 203.
Virtual Town Halls
In addition to PACT and CCC, County Executive Curran will host virtual Town Hall meetings this fall to gather public input regarding the Governor’s Executive Order. The first virtual town hall will take place on October 14th at 6:00pm on the County Executive’s Facebook Page. Questions or comments can be asked live during the Town Hall or sent in advance to EO203@NassauCountyNY.gov. The Virtual Town Hall Schedule to date is:
October 14th and October 21st at 6:00PM; October 28th at 6:30PM
PLAN FILING DATE
After the extensive public outreach campaign through PACT, CCC, and the virtual Town Halls, the County will present a comprehensive plan in compliance with Executive Order 203 for public comment via the website or email during the months of December and January. After public input is provided, the Curran Administration will submit the plan for approval by the County Legislature by February 15th, 2021. The plan will be filed with New York State prior to April 1, 2021.
