Hoylman To NYPD: Wear A Mask

NEW YORK -- Senator Brad Hoylman (D,WF-Manhattan) sent a letter to NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea on Monday, September 28 calling for the enforcement of a face covering requirement for all NYPD officers. This serves as a follow up to Governor Cuomo’s April Executive Order mandating the use of face coverings by all New Yorkers when social distancing is not possible, and an announcement by the MTA earlier this month to fine riders without a face covering.

Senator Hoylman’s office has also received very concerning constituent reports about the West 38th Street and 12th Avenue NYPD Tow Pound, where both NYPD officers and individuals waiting inside in close proximity were unmasked. 

As of September 3rd, COVID-19 was the leading cause of death for police officers in the United States. At least 43 NYPD officers have died from COVID-19 and the Department has reported over 5,700 cases of officers with positive COVID tests.

Senator Hoylman said: “The NYPD has a unique responsibility to model lawful and prudent behavior, which has only become more important during the current public health crisis and as we see alarming signs of a second wave approaching. I urge Dermot Shea to enforce the face covering mandate within his ranks to both set a good example for New Yorkers and protect public health. I hope he would agree that doing so is synonymous with the NYPD’s credo of courtesy, professionalism, and respect.”