Presently, Nassau County does not have the authority to equip and allow
its auxiliary police officers to possess police batons. Its auxiliary
police officers may only possess police batons during training "drills"
or when acting as "peace officers" during a declared emergency pursuant
to New York State Defense Emergency Act (Unconsolidated Laws, Chapter
131, Sec 20 - 33). Over the years, the role of the Nassau County auxilia-
ry police force has expanded beyond their civil defense duties. They
routinely engage in public safety activities such as patrolling the
streets and assisting with public events. Their importance as the "eyes
and ears" of the police department cannot be overstated. The inability
to deploy auxiliary police officers without a rudimentary self-defense
tool such as the police baton would hamper Nassau County's ability to
recruit and retain qualified individuals for such public service.

Our neighboring Auxiliary Police forces to the west and east, New York City and Suffolk County respectively, have been afforded the ability to carry batons for many years. 

This petition is aimed at rallying support for the passage of New York State Assembly Bill A3951. The bill, if passed, will have a significant impact on the residents of Nassau County, NY. It is crucial to understand that this legislation represents a progressive step towards improving our community and enhancing our quality of life. As residents and stakeholders in Nassau County, we must take an active role in shaping policies that directly affect us. Therefore, we urge you to lend your voice to this cause by signing this petition in support of New York State Assembly Bill A3951. Let's make our voices heard and ensure that our interests are represented in Albany!