2006 New York Code - 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.