In suburban New York’s Nassau County, Democrats have taken legal action against Republican County Executive Bruce Blakeman for creating an armed civilian volunteer unit, claiming it is an illegal militia funded by taxpayers. The dispute highlights concerns about safety, legality, and transparency in the implementation of this program.
Why Are Democrats Suing?
Democrats argue that Blakeman lacked the legal authority to form this group of volunteer deputies, which they say has the power to make arrests and use deadly force under government authority.
They believe New York state law only allows professionally trained law enforcement officers to be deputized during emergencies—not private citizens.
Lawyer Josh Kelner, representing the Democratic lawmakers, stated, “New York State law is clear: only professional, sworn officers can wield police powers.” According to the Democrats, this volunteer unit not only breaks state laws but also creates potential risks to public safety.
Concerns About Training, Weapons, and Costs
A major complaint in the lawsuit is the secrecy surrounding the program. Democrats claim that Blakeman’s office has ignored requests for details about who the volunteers are, the weapons they are allowed to carry, and how much this program is costing taxpayers.
Blakeman, however, defends the program, arguing that the 26 sworn volunteers—many of whom are retired military or law enforcement officers—are well-qualified. He said they must be licensed gun owners and complete 12 hours of classroom instruction along with firing range practice.
Purpose of the Armed Volunteer Unit
Blakeman explained that the volunteers would not be used for street patrols or protest control, as some critics have suggested. Instead, they would help during natural disasters or major emergencies, with tasks like protecting government buildings, hospitals, and critical infrastructure.
Despite these reassurances, Democrats are skeptical, especially since Nassau County already has one of the largest police forces in the country. With 2,600 sworn officers, state troopers, and local village police, they question the necessity of armed volunteers.
The county can also rely on unarmed civilian volunteers, such as the Nassau County Auxiliary Police, when needed.
Safety Risks and Legal Concerns
The lawsuit warns that allowing minimally trained civilians to act on behalf of the government in emergencies could be dangerous for both the public and professional law enforcement officers. Democrats argue that the existing police infrastructure is sufficient to handle emergencies without relying on armed volunteers.
The legal dispute raises broader questions about balancing public safety, government authority, and the role of private citizens in emergency response situations. For now, both sides stand firm, with Blakeman dismissing the lawsuit as “frivolous” and accusing Democrats of unfairly targeting the volunteers.
In summary, the legal battle revolves around whether armed civilian volunteers are necessary and legally permissible in a county with a strong existing police presence. The outcome could have implications not only for Nassau County but for other regions considering similar programs.