Sheriffs' association addresses executive order

NEW YORK STATE--The New York State Sheriffs' Association released a statement, Monday, Nov. 23 addressing a recent executive order by Gov. Andrew Cuomo that limited "non-essential private residential gatherings" to no more than 10 individuals.
"Since the first COVID-19 orders issued by the New York State Health Department, Sheriffs across the state have been responding to thousands of complaints of violations of those orders," the written statement said. "They have been doing what they can, within the law and the Constitution, to address those complaints. The criminal laws have very limited applicability with respect to those complaints, and in most cases use of the criminal laws would be unwise. Fortunately, our citizens have, for the most part, willingly complied with advice and encouragement to follow health directives."
While New York has seen a recent spike in COVID-19 cases, it remains one of the lowest rates of infection states in the country.
"Recently, Gov. Cuomo issued an executive order which limits non-essential private residential gatherings to no more than 10 individuals," the statement continues. "That has caused great consternation among many of our citizens, who envision armed officers arriving at their doors to count the number of people around the Thanksgiving table. Many Sheriffs and other law enforcement leaders have felt compelled to allay those concerns by assuring citizens that officers will not be randomly coming to their homes on Thanksgiving Day to count the number of people inside."
The message also questions how law enforcement officers would be able to know if people at a home live there vs. traveled there and who would be charged if they found a home in violation. "All of those are serious questions which make it impossible for law enforcement to know how to legally enforce the governor's order."
The statement concludes by saying, "In conclusion, we urge all our citizens to keep informed on the best steps to take to protect themselves, and others, from the spread of this terrible disease. We urge you to listen to our public health officials. We urge you to limit your exposure to those outside your household as much as you reasonably can. If we all do that, we will sooner be able to get back to normal. We in law enforcement do not have the resources nor the legal authority to force you to do those things. It is a matter of individual responsibility and we are confident that you will all voluntarily rise to the occasion."