As Suffolk County enters Phase Four of New York State’s Reopening Plan, today Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart released new procedures to protect residents’ rights to peacefully and safely protest. Officials have determined these protocols will increase safety for both protestors and the general public by providing a safe path for protestors to walk and congregate, enable a safe flow of traffic for motorists and greater access for emergency response vehicles to navigate the protest route.
“The department has had a presence at more than 165 protests and remain committed to protecting the public’s First Amendment right while continuing to keep the public safe,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said. “We continue to work with organizers of protests to ensure the safety of demonstrators, the public and our officers.”
The following is a list of procedures the Suffolk County Police Department has enacted:
- Demonstration organizers should contact the Suffolk County Police Department at least 24 hours in advance to identify their routes by calling 631-852-6110 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. to allow the police department to provide adequate protection for protest participants.
- In an effort to promote the free flow of traffic on public streets and to protect motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, individuals must refrain from congregating in the street and not disrupt traffic and endanger public safety.
- Any person who fails to comply with a lawful order to stop impeding the flow of traffic on public roadways may be subject to enforcement action.
- Demonstrators may not block vehicular or pedestrian traffic and may not enter private property without the owner’s consent.
- Demonstrators may not walk in the traffic lanes of a roadway when prohibited.
- Pursuant to the New York State Executive Order, any individual who is older than 2 and able to medically tolerate a face covering shall be required to do so when in a public place and unable to maintain six feet of social distance.
