N.Y. Military Law § 131.5: Redress of injuries to property

§ 131.5. Redress of injuries to property. (a) Whenever complaint is

made to any commanding officer that willful damage has been done to the

property of any person or that his property has been wrongfully taken by

members of the organized militia he may, subject to such regulations as

may be prescribed pursuant to this chapter, convene a board to

investigate the complaint. The board shall consist of from one to three

officers and shall have, for the purpose of such investigation, power to

summon witnesses and examine them upon oath or affirmation, to receive

depositions or other documentary evidence, and to assess the damages

sustained against the responsible parties. The assessment of damages

made by such board shall be subject to the approval of the commanding

officer, and in the amount approved by him shall be charged against the

pay of the offenders. The order of such commanding officer directing

charges herein authorized shall be conclusive on any disbursing officer

for the payment by him to the injured parties of the damages so assessed

and approved.

(b) Where the offenders cannot be ascertained, but the organization or

detachment to which they belong is known, the adjutant general may

direct that the amount of damages assessed and approved be paid to the

injured parties from the military fund of the unit or units of the

organized militia to which such offenders belong.