New York Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo chewed out law enforcement for not wearing masks and for refusing to impose the state’s 10-person limit on private gatherings after several sheriffs in western New York assured residents they will not be enforcing the state’s gathering cap on Thanksgiving.
“I don’t believe that person is a law enforcement officer,” Cuomo raged at a news briefing. “I don’t want a law enforcement officer who says, ‘I’m only enforcing the law that I like or think should be enforced.'”
Cuomo also berated officers for failing to wear their masks saying, “A lot of police officers don’t wear a mask… well, how are you then supposed to enforce other people wearing a mask when they see you not wearing a mask?”
“I violate the law but you can’t,” Cuomo added. “No! Nobody said you were above the law.”
Fulton County Richard Giardino challenged the legality of the governor’s order and pointed out that his department’s resources were stretched as it is.
“We have limited resources and we have to set priorities,” wrote Giardino in a Facebook post, “so obtaining a Search Warrant to enter your home to see how many Turkey or Tofu eaters are present is not a priority.”
Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo also rejected the idea of his officers knocking on doors interrupting Thanksgiving diner to do a headcount of guests.
He said in a press release, “I can’t see how devoting our resources to counting cars in citizens’ driveways or investigating how much turkey and dressing they’ve purchased is for the public good.”
New York City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea agreed telling local news that he would not be forcing his team of officers to break up family gatherings to enforce the cap.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control announced recommendations against travel over the Thanksgiving holidays due to major coronavirus spikes across the country.
After several documented complaints the NYPD has threatened disciplinary action to officers found working maskless. However, there have been no reports of an officer being fined for improper mask-wearing.
