After San Bernardino, Rockland County Exec Renews Call for Armed Guards at Co. Facilities

In his 2016 executive budget plan, County Executive Ed Day had proposed replacing unarmed security guards at all county facilities with armed officers from the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department.

Specially in the wake of Charleston, Fort Hood, Sandy Hook, Paris and, now, San Bernardino, the county executive believes the best way to protect the public and our employees is to replace unarmed guards at county buildings with police officers from the Sheriff’s Office, said spokesman Scott Salotto.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of San Bernardino,” Day said. “We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims. In times like these, we must recognize the selfless dedication of the men and women who keep us safe in law enforcement every day.”

The staffing change would remain consistent with the core mission of the Sheriff’s Department, which is to patrol county facilities and properties, all with existing staffing and budget levels, they said.

It would also bring Rockland County in line with neighboring Westchester and Bergen counties, which already utilize police officers to guard government facilities.