- Religious Institutions, Buildings, “Critical Infrastructure” to be included
Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford and Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter recently 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.
“Given the increase in mass shootings across the country, it is important that people feel safe in any place where groups gather. This extends to more than schools, to now benefit 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 Ford.
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.
Pictured above is: Legislator Ford with Cedarhurst Mayor Ben Weinstock, Legislator Howard Kopel and Commissioner Krumpter.