ALBANY – The New York State Fair, operated by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, is prohibiting off-duty police officers from carrying concealed weapons into the fair this year. Police agencies were informed of the policy change in a memo from the New York State Police Troop “D” commander this week.
The state fair, an annual event in Syracuse, is taking place from August 24 to September 5 this year.
Historically the fair has allowed off-duty police officers with valid credentials to carry a concealed weapon into the event. The only officers allowed to display weapons on their person are those officers who are working the event.
An email regarding the change was sent to law enforcement agencies throughout the state by State Police Troop D Commander Major Michael TenEyck. The email said in part, “Police officers that are ‘on-duty’ will be permitted to carry, however, the State Dept of Ag and Markets has elected to NOT allow ‘off-duty’ police and peace officers to carry department or personally owned firearms on the property.”
When asked about the directive, the State Police have said the policy change was not their decision.
Several law enforcement officers have told Mid-Hudson News that officers carry concealed firearms when they are not working. “We are highly trained and proficient in de-escalation tactics but also have considerable firearms training,” said a state trooper who asked to remain anonymous. “Cops carry guns regardless of their work hours,” she said. “We are never truly ‘off-duty’ and data shows that off-duty officers have repeatedly stepped-up and thwarted situations that put the public at risk.”
Ironically, the state fair is holding “Law Enforcement Day” on August 29. According to the fair website, the day is one where “We honor the men and women of law enforcement in New York State with free admission to any active or retired law enforcement or corrections personnel who presents a badge or picture ID from the department from which they are or were employed.”
Police organizations throughout the state indicated that the unwritten policy change will affect attendance by keeping off-duty officers away from the fair, especially on August 29.
The Mid-Hudson representative for Governor Kathy Hochul was unable to provide an explanation for the change. The state’s Department of Agriculture and Markets did not respond to a request for comment.
