MINEOLA, NY (TIP): Following a series of violent incidents at houses of worship that shocked the consciences of people in the United States and around the world, Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) has filed new legislation that would ensure police resources are utilized in a manner that prioritizes the safety of religious institutions in Nassau County.
Legislator Drucker’s proposal, filed on Tuesday, May 7, would direct the Police Department to concentrate police resources to prioritize the protection of houses of worship and religious institutions, including but not limited to parochial and religious schools and religious cemeteries and burial grounds. Enhanced police protection will be carried out without discrimination or favoritism based on creed, denomination or religious affiliation.
“No Nassau County resident should ever have to choose between practicing their faith and their personal safety,” Legislator Drucker said. “Through this legislation and our continued collaboration with the outstanding Nassau County Police Department, we can take a large step toward ensuring that the houses of worship we cherish remain vital, secure community centers and true sanctuaries for anyone seeking respite. I look forward to working with my colleagues so we can enact this common-sense proposal without delay.”
To maximize the effectiveness of this proposal and ensure it meets the needs of congregants, Legislator Drucker is continuing his outreach to religious leaders for feedback on his legislation.
This action by Legislator Drucker came on the heels of a Thursday, May 2 Safety and Security Briefing hosted by JCRC-LI in the aftermath of mass shootings at a mosque in New Zealand and a synagogue in Poway, California and the bombing of churches in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
During the briefing, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and District Attorney Madeline Singas provided updates on their efforts to keep congregants of all faiths safe and addressed questions and concerns raised by religious leaders during a subsequent Q-and-A session.