Community Update
On June 19, 2023, Putnam County, led by County Executive Kevin Byrne, celebrated its inaugural observance of Juneteenth at Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park. This momentous occasion was commemorated with a special event that featured notable speeches by County Executive Byrne and Scott Rhodes, Chairperson of the Putnam County Community Engagement and Police Advisory Board (CEPAB), as well as the revelation of previously unknown local history. These remarks highlighted the importance of Juneteenth within the broader context of American history.
During the event, Putnam County Historian Jenn Cassidy took the audience on a captivating history walk, providing insights into the life of Sophy Provost, the last enslaved person in New York. Additionally, she recounted the significant contributions of two local veterans, Clinton J. Peterson and Francis Oliver Myers, underscoring the crucial aspect of acknowledging Black history as an integral part of American history.
The event represented a significant milestone for Putnam County, signifying its commitment to recognizing and honoring the historical significance of Juneteenth. We thank the Putnam County Historian, County Executive Kevin Byrne, and all Putnam County departments involved for their commitment to foster a sense of unity and a greater awareness of our history in Putnam County.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
CEPAB Reinstated
September 20, 2023
During their legislative meeting, Putnam County Legislature’s Protective Services Committee voted to reinstate the Community Engagement & Police Advisory Board for the next calendar year.
CEPAB has played a role in fostering dialogue and collaboration between our law enforcement agencies and the communities in Putnam County. We have provided a platform for residents to voice their concerns, share their perspectives, and work together with local law enforcement to ensure public safety and community well-being.
Over the past 3 years, CEPAB has made efforts in community policing, enhancing transparency, and building trust. We remain dedicated to promoting positive relationships between our community and law enforcement.
We believe that reinstating this board will:
- Facilitate Open Dialogue: CEPAB has been a bridge for open and constructive communication between residents and law enforcement, addressing concerns and fostering mutual understanding.
- Enhance Accountability: It plays a critical role in ensuring accountability and transparency within our law enforcement agencies, a fundamental component of effective policing.
- Support Effective Policing: CEPAB's work helps in crafting policies and practices that align with community needs and expectations, ultimately leading to more effective and community-oriented policing.
- Strengthen Community Relations: The presence of CEPAB sends a clear message that our county is committed to building strong, positive relationships between our residents and law enforcement, leading to safer and more cohesive communities.
Notice from Sheriff’s Dept.
May 8, 2023
The Putnam County Department of Social Services & Mental Health is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Coordinator of the Office for Individuals with Disabilities. Interested individuals please apply below:
New Job Opportunity in Putnam County
May 8, 2023
The Putnam County Department of Social Services & Mental Health is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Coordinator of the Office for Individuals with Disabilities. Interested individuals please apply below:
CEPAB Statement on Threats Against Local Business in Carmel
May 3, 2023
We recognize the pervasive issue of targeted acts of harassment and intimidation against our LGBTQIA+ residents in Putnam County, and we condemn the actions of those who perpetrate them.
It is deeply distressing that individuals continue to be targeted due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. We must strive for greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
It is essential that we work together to create a safer and more welcoming world for everyone.
School Safety In the News
April 27, 2023
There has been several recent school incidents involving students making treats.
14-Year-Old Pine Bush Boy Charged With Making 'Active Shooter' 911 Call At High School
Police: 13-year-old arrested for violent threats on social media against Highland Middle School
Update at Protective Services Meeting
April 17, 2023
CEPAB presented its findings and recommendations on school safety at the Putnam County Legislative Protective Services Committee Meeting. CEPAB is in the process of developing an independent, strategic plan on different aspects of approaching school and community safety. The three areas of focus are Parental Empowerment, Effective Communication, and Building Trust.
Please see previous update below on our recommendations.
Roundtable
April 1, 2023
In response to recent crisis occurring within the Putnam School Districts, CEPAB held its first in person community roundtable at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Brewster, NY.
Over 30 members of the public joined our circle to express our concerns and ask questions on improving school safety to a panel of school safety professionals.
Here is what we learned form the roundtable:
Empowering Parents
-CEPAB recommends creation of parent safety groups for each school district where parents can be involved in the school safety / emergency protocols
-CEPAB recommends counselor-led groups to work with students and address their concerns and issues around school safety
-CEPAB will create a resource guide for parents on how to advocate for their students, understanding school policies, navigating DASA, and other resources for students and families
-CEPAB recommends (and commends the) CRASE training workshops from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department
Effective, Timely Communication
-People get their information on social media all the time, but in times of crisis or emergency, people expect statements and assurances from the School Districts, Sheriff’s Department, local leaders, key community stakeholders in order to feel secure. They do not expect quick resolutions, but they need to hear from the leaders in the community within 48 to 72 hours. CEPAB recommends all involved entities to create a communication protocol to timely address and assure members of the public.
-CEPAB recommends Putnam County Sheriff’s Department to hold regularly scheduled, public “After Action Meetings” with the community
-CEPAB recommends a dedicated community affairs liaison in the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department
Building Trust
-In addition to law enforcement, CEPAB recommends diversity and implicit bias training for all parties such as school boards, elected leaders in Putnam County. CEPAB members will also undergo implicit bias training.
TAM (Threat Assessment Management) Meeting
March 30, 2023
Putnam County has established the Threat Assessment Management (TAM) Team in response to Governor Hochul’s Executive Order No. 18. The TAM Team is an advisory group that assists in interventions and case management strategies to prevent targeted violence in Putnam County. The TAM Team presented the plan to preventing targeted acts of violence by individuals or groups during its first meeting, which was attended by CEPAB board members. The TAM Team is encouraging school districts and local entities to refer incidents and is providing training sessions to all county entities that support or work with the team. It is important to note that updating to the TAM Team does not replace the school's own risk assessment process. Additionally, there will be future training sessions on threat management.
Protective Services Committee Update
March 21, 2023
CEPAB board members attended Putnam County Legislature’s Protective Services Committee Meeting. CEPAB board members updated Protective Services Committee Chairwoman Nacerino on our recent works in the community, such as a toy drive, safety meeting with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, attending the Safety Forum at Carmel High School, plans for the next Putnam Culture Fest, membership growth, and plan to establish a scholarship fund for high school students in all the school districts in Putnam County.
Members of the public were present to express their safety concerns on recent threats posed on social media accounts.
Safety Forum at Carmel High School
On Monday, March 6, 2023 members of CEPAB were present at the Safety Forum hosted at Carmel High School. As a community advocacy group, we understand that there are proper channels in which a situation of this nature must go through. However, we believe that transparency and communication between all parties involved (such as Carmel School District parents, School Board, Superintendent and District attorney) are imperative to facilitate trust within our community.
Putnam Culture Fest 2023
CEPAB board has selected a date and location for 2023 Culture Fest. Planning Committees are established. The vendor and participation process will be streamlined so that it will be easier to accept new vendors, volunteers, and performers for the festival.
Meeting with Sheriff’s Department
February 10th, 2023
CEPAB Sheriff Department Meeting Overview
CEPAB met with the Sheriff’s Department to discuss general safety issues in Putnam County, with specific topics covering body-worn cameras, training procedures, use to technology,
Body Worn Cameras:
Body worn cameras have aided the Sheriff's department in recent apprehensions, firearm incident discharge, and ongoing career training. In regards to re-training components, such as the tone of the deputy on scene along with vital questions needed for reports. Reports are reviewed continuously with proactive visible supervision. Body worn cameras are also worn by patrol supervsiors not just deputies.
Training Procedure Updates:
General training happens at the Westchester NY Police Academy. New hire deputy sheriffs usually are transfers or new recruits. Field training has been extended to 13 weeks, with its core values anchored in profesionalism and courtesy. Under the leadership of Captain Shepperly, extra patrol units have been deployed, along with frequent supervisory meetings, which entail accountability and responsibility.
Implicit Bias Training:
Sheriff’s Department began implicit bias training workshops in late February, 2023.
Crime Fighting & Technology:
Recent crime fighting tools such as license plate readers, survielance video, and inter-agency information sharing has enabled investigators to continue case work that could span months.
Some crimes like burglary/home invasions have started from as far as California continued to the tri-state and ended in New Hampshire. Recent car thefts are being curtailed by the previously mentioned license plate reader(LPR) along with tactical peremiters that have been deployed. Arrests have been made in regards to stolen catalitic converters, and now, U-haul trucks. The new RMS (record management system) hopefully with the opt-ins from all Putnam County law enforcement agencies will be up in a year.
Mental Health Challenges:
Increased incidents relating to persons with mental health issues have been challenging due to lack of follow up by Department of Social Services and medical facilities. Several attempts in the past have been made with probation and other law enforcement agencies to have meetings where speakers are brought in, but this has been unsuccesful thus far. There are now 10 uniformed members that are designated liaisons who identify chronic, high risk, persons with mental health challenges within the community.
Crime & Juristiction:
Due to state laws, apprehension of criminals (depending on the crime) do not support pursuit across state lines. Depending on the offense committed, criminals are often given a desk appearance ticket (DAT) or given minimal sentences. This has embolden criminals without consequence. Community Engagement Police Advisory Board (CEPAB) encourages all residents and businesses that the event of a crime, please do not wait for elapsed periods of time to report an incident
Policy:
"Use of force policy" has been updated on the Putnam Sheriff Department website. 79 policies have been written for the sheriff manual, which includes the phasing out of the carotid artery chokehold that many other departments have also suspended.