Nassau County approved the hiring of a PR firm to help roll out its police body camera program. While doing so, it also revealed a tentative labor contract with the county’s largest police union to take part in the program.
Red Land strategies will be paid $120,000 to identify community stakeholders and work with them to make sure the camera program meets everyone’s requirements. Kevin Smith, Nassau County's police chief, said Red Land was hired because of its connections in government and the community.
“Winning over people who might have concerns, who want to voice concerns, or who have misconceptions about the body worn camera program, is the way to go, and looking to Red Land to this is probably the best action for us,” Smith said.
Red Land is owned by former New York State Republican Senator Michael Balboni who worked frequently with Democrats.
Nassau officials declined to offer details on the new contract with the Police Benevolent Association. Only that they are waiting for PBA members to approve the contract before discussing it.
