Mineola, NY-Nassau County Legislator Joseph Scannell (D-Baldwin) is calling for the closing of a website posted by the County's Board of Assessors, citing that it exposes citizens, especially law enforcement officers, to harassments and crimes.

"Not only do law enforcement officers have to be concerned with retribution from criminals they arrest, but the average homeowners have to be concerned that certain aspects of their life are now available to anyone with a computer and access to the internet," Scannell said.

The website, developed by Board of Assessor's office, currently lists all homes reassessed by the County and includes such information as the names and address of the home owners, the taxes paid, a photo and even the floor plans of the house.

In a letter to Board of Assessors Chairman Charles O'Shea, Legislator Craig Johnson (D-Port Washingotn) expressed concern about posting such information, stating, "Your office has made these law enforcement individuals and their immediate family (i.e. spouse, children, mother, father, and siblings) easier targets for reprisal by individuals whom they have apprehended or arrested."

Legislator Scannell said he has also received many calls from constituents who are very concerned about having information about their house posted on a web site. "I am asking the Board of Assessors to reconsider this policy and close the website down," he said. "I understand that it was done with good intentions, but in this climate of identity theft and lack of privacy, I believe that this website needlessly exposes some people to possible harm."