MINEOLA, NY — Nassau County is making preparations to establish a specialized team of deputy sheriffs to be on standby in the event of an emergency.
Individuals selected for this role must possess firearms proficiency but will not wield police authority “unless a state of emergency is proclaimed by the County Executive and they are mobilized,” as stated by the sheriff’s department.
Michael Moore, a member of the Nassau County FEMA Civilian Emergency Response Team (CERT), raised concerns about the criteria for defining an emergency, questioning whether it would encompass events like Black Lives Matter protests, Palestinian demonstrations, or the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Long Beach.
The recruitment initiative, advertised with the county seal featuring County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Sheriff Anthony LaRocco, prompted Moore, a former Nassau County court officer, to contemplate the implications, suggesting it appeared akin to forming a militia.
While emphasizing the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and security of all Nassau County residents during crises, the advertisement highlights the role of deputy sheriffs in safeguarding lives and property under emergency circumstances.
Despite attempts to seek clarification from Blakeman and the sheriff, concerns persist among community members like Vasu Krishnamurthy, president of the Manhasset Democratic Club, who noted the lack of public discourse or legislative review regarding this initiative.
The preference for recruiting individuals with backgrounds in federal, state, or local law enforcement, military service, licensed security, and auxiliary police was outlined in the recruitment email received by CERT members, including Moore. The email specified the necessity of possessing a Nassau County Pistol Permit and readiness to undergo additional training in firearm usage, the application of force, and familiarity with NYS Penal Law.
Krishnamurthy expressed skepticism about the motives behind this initiative, attributing it to a pattern of divisive tactics and fearmongering often associated with Blakeman’s approach.
In response to the declared emergency, the county assured a $150 stipend per day for the appointed personnel. However, Moore, who volunteers his services with CERT, questioned the rationale behind offering compensation for armed support when ample resources such as the Nassau County Police Department, local law enforcement agencies, and the National Guard are available for emergency response.
The juxtaposition of paid armed personnel against the backdrop of existing law enforcement capabilities led Moore to express astonishment at the perceived lack of public outcry over the necessity and implications of such a measure.