Mineola, NY-Nassau County Legislator Joseph Scannell (D-Baldwin) has been pressing Sheriff Joseph Reilly since April to replace Correction Officers' outdated bulletproof vests. Legislator Scannell, along with Michael Adams, President of the Sheriff Officers Association, state the out-of-date vests are placing the officers in danger.

"These vests are a basic tool to protect our officers while they are working," said Legislator Scannell, Chairman of the Legislature's Public Safety Committee. "I will not accept any delay in the procurement of this new equipment," he added. "The money for the vests is already contained in the capital budget." According to Scannell, the new protective vests will cost the county about $16,000.

The more than 100 correction officers who guard gates and transport prisoners have been wearing outdated or improper-fitting vests, while some wear none at all, Legislator Scannell said.

"I would like to see this matter is handled in swiftly before a corrections officer is hurt," he said.