Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz's letter to Attorney General Cuomo re: Village of Patchogue

September 9, 2009
Andrew Cuomo
Office of the Attorney General
The Capitol
Albany, NY 12224-0341
Dear Mr. Cuomo:
  
I am referring a matter to your attention for possible review and investigation. On Saturday, September 5, 2009, I participated in a demonstration in Patchogue, New York. This demonstration was organized after my review of a report released by the Southern Poverty Law Center and front page headlines about vandalism in the Iglesia Evangelical Refugio de Salvacion located in Patchogue.
 
While in attendance, I was provided with a copy of a letter dated November 12, 2008 from the Deputy Commissioner of the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services. I am not sure if this matter has come to your attention already, and am including a copy of it with this letter.
 
The letter addresses the issue of the lack of statutory authority for the establishment of a “constabulary” and the retention of unregistered “peace officers” who work for the Village of Patchogue.
 
In light of recent evidence of racial violence directed towards Hispanics on Long Island, it is important that the local police authorities charged with enforcing laws in Patchogue be required to conform with local law and have full legal authority to enforce their responsibilities.
 
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
 
Sincerely,
 
Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz