Politics & Government
Nassau Police Can Wear Masks Under Certain Circumstances: Blakeman
The county executive, who signed the executive order on Friday, said it clarifies the mask ban from last Aug.
MINEOLA, NY — Nassau County Executive signed an executive order on Friday clarifying a law regarding wearing masks in public.
Under the new order, Blakeman announced that police officers may cover their faces under certain circumstances.
The mask ban was passed by the County Legislature in August along party lines, as all Republicans supported the measure.
Find out what's happening in Mineolafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Blakeman said that law enforcement officers "while carrying out specific operations pursuant to the policies and procedures of their respective agencies or departments, with the approval of their supervisor, may wear masks or face coverings."
This executive order comes amid a new bill that would ban ICE agents from wearing masks to conceal their identities while working in New York City.
Find out what's happening in Mineolafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“I think they’re out of their mind, I think that they will destroy the city, and I think they will make law enforcement in the metropolitan area, including Nassau County, much more difficult,” Blakeman said.
At Friday's news conference, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said major crimes in the county are down 15 percent year-to-date.
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