From Explorers to protectors: building a stronger NCPD

“What’s in it for me?” It’s a question our brave heroes in blue seldom ask. Our Nassau County Police Department, under the exceptional leadership of Commissioner Patrick Ryder and County Executive Bruce Blakeman, keeps us safe, improves our quality of life, and consistently embodies loyalty, integrity, fairness and excellence.

Among these dedicated officers is a group of young adults poised to be our future protectors: the Nassau County Law Enforcement Explorers. This world-class, voluntary program, open to anyone who has completed eighth grade and is age 14 to 21, provides aspiring law enforcement professionals with comprehensive training, competition, leadership skills, service and practical experience. It helps them become responsible, builds character, and fosters a commitment to public service.

As an elected official, a dedicated member of the community and a lifelong Long Islander, it is my duty to find ways to inspire our brightest to give back to the community and stay in the beautiful county we call home. That’s why I introduced the Nassau County Future Protectors Act, Assembly Bill A.10167, alongside my partner in government, Sen. Steve Rhoads (Senate Bill S.9617).

In order to become a police officer in New York state, you must pass a civil service exam that tests language fluency, problem sensitivity and reasoning, situational judgment, etc. These exams are very competitive. Our legislation aims to boost participation in the Nassau County Explorers program, and to support law enforcement recruitment, by offering participants who have served as Explorers for at least four years an additional 5 points on competitive civil service examinations. Those with less than four years of service would receive an additional 2 points.

These extra credits, added to the final earned rating after a candidate qualifies in the competitive exam, would be granted at the time of establishing the resulting eligible list. Eligible lists would include these additional credits for candidates who meet the specified conditions and provide the necessary documentation to the Department of Civil Service and their respective municipal Civil Service commissions. This bill would recognize the dedicated service of our Explorers over an extended period of time, and reward them with an enhanced opportunity to serve in the ranks of our police departments.

We already extend similar benefits to our state’s veterans and the children and siblings of firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics killed in the line of duty. This bill, which would have no fiscal impact on the state, promises immeasurable rewards and returns on investment for our county, state and nation’s public safety.

Service, character and skill are noble attributes that our communities needs in their public servants. While we are blessed to have these qualities in our Nassau County officials, the Nassau Explorers stand out as a select group of our county’s finest. As law enforcement agencies across New York face unprecedented workforce shortages, the Nassau County Future Protectors Act can ensure that our county remains a beacon of excellence with a robust, well-trained and committed police force.

It’s time we incentivize our best and brightest to keep Nassau County the safest place to live, work and play in all of New York state. The journey begins with passing the Nassau County Future Protectors Act.

Jake Blumencranz represents the 15th Assembly District.