Religious Institutions, Buildings, “Critical Infrastructure” to be included
Nassau County Legislator Howard Kopel and Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter today announced the passage of new panic alarm legislation for places of gathering in Nassau County. The “Panic Alarm” legislation expands the Nassau County Police Department’s current school panic alarm program to religious institutions, businesses, movie theaters, organizations, and any other location deemed “critical infrastructure” by the NCPD.
“Today's legislation will go a long way in allaying the anxieties and fears of many residents of my district in light of the escalating violence in Israel, Europe, and right here at home,” stated Legislator Kopel. “This will expand the current program beyond schools, and will now make it available to temples, religious institutions and other critical places where people gather. I think this is going to offer peace of mind to all those who are tasked with securing such locations, and above all should enable residents to have peace of mind as well," said Legislator Kopel, a strong proponent of the legislation
The NCPD’s current panic alarm program is offered to all schools throughout Nassau County and is being implemented now. The technology will offer schools either a panic button or a phone application which will link directly to police patrol cars and shave off approximately 3 minutes of police-response time. Future additions to the technology can include an instant link for the police to the school’s video surveillance system.
“I would like to thank County Executive Mangano and the Nassau County Legislature for advancing Legislation that will significantly enhance the Nassau County Police Department’s response to an active shooter and to threats against our critical infrastructures within Nassau County,” said Acting Police Commissioner Tom Krumpter. “The public safety of our residents is top priority and this program will serve as a public safety model."
Nassau County has recently overcome a contractual delay with the vendor that will be operating the panic alarm system to Nassau Schools. Now other institutions and organizations can participate in the program by applying to the NCPD for designation as “critical infrastructure” and paying a fee for the costs. There shall be no additional cost to the county for this expansion.
Shown in photograph above, left to right: Cedarhurst Mayor Ben Weinstock, Legislator Kopel and Commissioner Krumpter.
Pictured below is Legislator Kopel with Dr. Rochelle Brand of HAFTR Middle School.
