NASSAU COUNTY, NY – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran today released County protocols designed to protect residents’ right to peacefully and safely demonstrate, and ensure the safety of protestors and the general public. Nassau County is well into Phase Three of the Governor’s Reopening Plan, which has resulted in increased vehicular traffic on public roadways. This guidance is essential to ensuring emergency response units, such as firetrucks and ambulances, can reliably access necessary locations. Demonstration organizers are reminded of the below information so that they may guide participants accordingly to ensure everyone’s cooperation and safety.
“As this sustained national protest movement continues, Nassau County will continue to protect our residents right to safe, peaceful protest, as well as take the precautions necessary to ensure the safety of demonstrators, law enforcement, and the public. We have a duty to protect the public’s right to exercise their first amendment right safely, and to protect motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. With more cars on the road and increased public gathering, our number one concern is keeping everyone safe,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.
“We are urging all residents to stay smart and follow these safety protocols. Nassau County PD will continue to work directly with protest organizers in order to ensure the safety of demonstrators, officers, and local communities. Our officers have sworn an oath to protect and serve all residents, and that’s what they’ll continue to do,” said Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.
Public Demonstration Protocols
- Nassau County has a duty to protect the public’s right to exercise their First Amendment rights safely, to ensure public safety and order, to promote the free flow of traffic on public streets and byways, and to protect motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists using roadways and sidewalks. Individuals must refrain from congregating in public streets so as not to disrupt traffic and endanger public safety.
- Any person who fails to comply with a lawful order to stop impeding the flow of traffic on a public street or otherwise endangering public safety may be subject to enforcement action.
- Demonstrators may not block vehicular or pedestrian traffic and may not enter upon private property without the permission of the owner.
- Demonstration organizers should contact the Community Affairs Unit of the Nassau County Police Department at least 24-hours in advance to identify their routes by calling (516) 573-7360.
- Pursuant to New York State Executive Order 202.17, any individual who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face-covering when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance (more than 6 feet).