Members of the group Long Island Advocates for Police
Accountability are calling on Nassau police to provide more detailed
information about how they will comply with Executive Order No. 203 from Gov.
Andrew Cuomo.
LIAFPA, which was formed this past summer following protests
about racial disparities and injustices, held a
news conference Tuesday at the
office of attorney Fred Brewington.
Members say they are concerned that Nassau County is not
following the order and not providing the public with detailed information when
it comes to police conduct and procedures. They are also asking for Gov. Cuomo’s office to step in and help navigate the process to ensure that the county is working with community groups and that a plan is submitted in time.
"If we were to grade them, they'd get a big fat F,”
says Brewington. “And the F would come because they have failed to provide
documentation, data, pieces of paper, reports or any information that we could
really rely on to do the work that we've been asked to do."
In a statement to News 12, County Executive Laura Curran
says the county is on track to complete the governor's executive order on time
and that they are following the guidelines that require public engagement and
sharing of information and ideas on reform.
The statement went on to say, "While also responding to an ongoing pandemic, the county has initiated a robust public engagement process that's included over 50 community sessions since June – virtual and in-person."
Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder provided a statement to News 12:
“The Nassau County Police Department has provided data and
other pertinent information pertaining to the Governors Executive order
to numerous committees and community groups. This information is also
disseminated through the Nassau County
website. As recommendations and requests have been made by
groups, we have revised and reposted that new information. Reform
is about making change and change is how we move forward. When the police
reform community meetings are completed we will release those recommendations
and changes. The dedicated men and women of our police department continue to
serve the residents of Nassau County in a professional manner and will continue
to do so keeping our County the safest community in America."