Dear COBA Members;

Here are some updates for today:  

1.) Earlier today, James Dzurenda was unanimously confirmed by the Nassau County Legislature as the new Sheriff of Nassau County. I congratulate Sheriff Dzurenda on his confirmation. Dealing with the current crisis is one hell of a way to start his new job. Once we work our way through this crisis, I look forward to a fruitful working relationship with Sheriff Dzurenda and our Union.

2.) Also today, Sheriff Dzurenda directed certain new procedures for the Operations Unit pertaining to the screening of all New Admit inmates upon entrance into our facility. Additionally, effective immediately, all new admits, upon intake shall be tested for COVID-19 prior to placement into Intake Housing.

3.) As you know, COBA has demanded that the County screen ALL Correctional Staff prior to entering our facilities to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 into the facility from any outside source. This to include all Correction Staff, all Civilian Staff and all Medical Staff. The County has yet to direct this. As I stated earlier, there was a Legislative Hearing today where Sheriff Dzurenda was confirmed. This hearing was closed to the public but allowed emailed public comment to be put on the record. Please see the video below where my comment regarding the screening of all staff was read into the record by a Legislative Aide. I will continue to push on this issue so that our staff is provided with all proper precautions during this pandemic.  

4.) Today the Department also setup a Command Post in the Academy. A dedicated email was setup where all COVID-19 related issues and notifications should be sent to. This to include from Tour Commanders, all Staff Exposure, Positive or Negative Testing, Inmate Exposure w/Positive or Negative Testing as well as the need for or acquisition of supplies etc.

That email is: COVID19_NCSD@nassaucountyny.gov

I would advise that all Housing Area Corporals use this email in coordination with your Bldg Supervisors so that you are all on the same page with notifications and requests through your Chain of Command.

It is my understanding that Tour Commanders and their Captains have developed a standardized email notification form regarding a staff members exposure and positive or negative test results.  

As I have stated in previous emails, should you test positive for COVID-19 or show symptoms, notify your Supervisor. Do not take it upon yourself to use this email for notification. Your Tour Commander will do that so the Dept of Health will be properly notified through the Department.    

5.) One last thing. I strongly advise regular communication with the inmate population. Routinely advise them of why the Jail is taking the measures they are to keep not only the staff safe but also the inmates themselves. Do this in coordination with all Housing Area Supervisors and Bldg Supervisors to again provide a unified message. Routine communication with the inmates will go a long way to reducing tensions in the facility. There is already enough to worry about without the inmates acting out.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and continue to take all Universal Precautions;

Brian Sullivan, COBA President