KINGSTON, N.Y. — The Ulster County Legislature has approved a policy designating the county’s Department of Human Rights as a local resource for residents seeking information about New York’s civil rights, immigrant rights and law enforcement accountability laws.
The policy, proposed by the County Executive’s Office, directs Human Rights Director Joe McDonald and his department to provide plain-language information and nonlegal guidance on recently adopted state protections.
County Executive Jen Metzger had proposed a local law earlier this year requiring law enforcement officers to be clearly identifiable during public interactions. With New York adopting statewide standards addressing law enforcement identification, immigration-related enforcement and other protections, the county shifted its focus to helping residents understand the new requirements.
Under the approved policy, the Department of Human Rights will answer questions about state protections, help residents identify relevant state agencies and processes, connect people with community organizations, and offer public education and “Know Your Rights” programs.
The department will not act as a law enforcement agency, disciplinary body or legal representative, and it cannot provide legal advice. It must also protect personal information and comply with applicable laws and county policies.
The department will include an annual summary of its work under the policy in its yearly report, along with recurring issues and recommendations for improvements. The report will not identify individuals.
Metzger praised state lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul for adopting statewide protections, including a prohibition on law enforcement masking, saying those measures eliminated the need to pursue the county’s proposed local law.
“We are now focused on ensuring that our residents have a trusted, accessible place to seek guidance about these new protections,” Metzger said.
McDonald said navigating civil rights laws and accountability procedures can be overwhelming, particularly for people unfamiliar with the systems available to protect them. He said the department would work with advocacy organizations, including the Ulster Immigration Defense Network and Ulster Rapid Response, to expand public education and provide resources.
Eric Stewart, chair of the Legislature’s Health, Human Services and Human Rights Committee, said the policy represents a step toward educating residents about their rights and helping protect the community.
Residents can find information about the department and its services at ulstercountyny.gov/human-rights.