Sheriff Robert L. Langley, Jr. Undersheriff Kevin M. Cheverko - Putnam County Sheriff's Department
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Sheriff Robert L. Langley, Jr. Undersheriff Kevin M. Cheverko
2020Annual Report
Letter from the Sheriff
Administration
Mission Statement
Patrol Division
Uniform Patrol Division
Bicycle Patrol
Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement
Marine Patrol Unit
K-9 Unit
ESU Unit
Accident Reconstruction Unit
County Building Security/Youth And Community Service Bureau
Vision for the Future
Bureau Of Criminal Investigation
Crime Scene Unit
Pistol Permits
Central Records
Narcotics Enforcement Unit
Training
2020 Notable Investigations
Officers Down
Civil Bureau Division
Communications/Operations Division
Personnel
Statistics
Cost Reduction Opportunities
Compliance
Correctional Division
Staffing
Training
Admissions
Board in/out costs
Constant Supervision
Programs
Transportation
Food Service
Community Work Program
Awards and Graduates
Community Outreach
Letter from the Sheriff
County Executive Odell:
The annual report to the County Executive focuses primarily on the calendar year 2020. As we enter into the cal-
endar year 2021, I must point out that coronavirus pandemic has impacted the criminal justice system substantially and
we do not know how this is going to impact us going forward. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department must still con-
tend with the Bail Reform and Discovery Reform which affects our operations and compromises public safety as there
has not been a way to truly gauge the full impact this is going to have due to the lack of cases being handled by the
courts as a result of the pandemic. The Mental Health Crisis, which is a national issue, also continues to be problematic
in Putnam County. The budget line and staffing cuts made in the 2021 budget will also impact our operations and hin-
der public safety, however given these changes the men and woman that serve and protect our community, both on the
road and in the jail, will continue to do so to ensure we keep Putnam County residents and visitors safe as we continue
to do more with less.
As you know Public Safety is the primary focus of the Sheriff’s Department to ensure those towns which do not
have dedicated policing are provided with adequate law enforcement services and protections. Additionally the Sher-
iff’s Department continues to provide support services to the Town of Carmel Police, Town of Kent Police, Village of
Cold Spring Police and the Village of Brewster Police. The partnership between the Putnam County Sheriff’s Depart-
ment and the Westchester County Police Department has flourished and become vibrant. What was previously known
as the Westchester County Real Time Crime Center is now the Westchester/Putnam Real Time Crime Center as a result
of our strong working relationship. We are working closely with the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, DEA and the Depart-
ment of Homeland Security to better our abilities to fight crime in Putnam County.
We have continued to address the Opioid Crisis which includes drug treatment services in the jail and Narcotics
Anonymous. We have worked closely with outside agencies such as Drug Court, Communities That Care and others
along with our community. This tireless effort is paying off as there has been an almost 50% decrease in opioid related
deaths in Putnam County, working together pays off. We continue to disrupt the flow of narcotics along with undercov-
er operations to stop the dealers and suppliers who have been destroying lives.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department continues to invest in public safety and looks forward to continuing
its strong relationship building with the community and implementing more technology in 2021 to increase public safety
for a better tomorrow.
Respectfully,
Robert L. Langley Jr.
Sheriff
Administration PUTNAM COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE MISSION STATEMENT It is the mission of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office to protect the people who live in our community along with those who work and visit here. We strive to maintain the highest level of in- tegrity, professionalism, dedication and service for all equally and impartially.
Patrol Division Capt. Harry Tompkins Uniform Patrol Division The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department Uniform Patrol Division con- sists of Deputy Sheriffs and Special Patrol Officers that make up the Road Pa- trol, the Youth and Community Services Bureau, the Putnam County Build- ing Security detail and the Putnam County Department of Social Services de- tail. Units incorporated under the Road Patrol consist of the Commercial Ve- hicle Safety Enforcement Unit, the Marine Unit, the Accident Investigation and Reconstruction Unit, the Bicycle Patrol Unit, the Motorcycle Unit, the Putnam County ERT and the K-9 Unit. In 2020, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department Uniform Road Patrol Di- vision experienced an active year patrolling Putnam County roadways dur- ing the pandemic They carried out 3,790 traffic stops and issued 2,784 traffic summons. Patrol deputies made a total of 373 arrests in 2020, including 35 arrests for DWI. Patrol and Youth Services reported 10 juvenile arrests, as well. Deputies handled 538 automobile accidents. There were two fatalities.
Deputy Sheriffs train and continually recertify as First Responders and/or Emer- gency Medical Technicians to render medical assistance throughout Putnam Coun- ty. In the spirit of mutual cooperation in working with other law enforcement agencies in Putnam County, Deputy Sheriffs rendered assistance to neighboring po- lice agencies on 940 occasions during the past year. The ongoing community polic- ing efforts of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department’s Road Patrol resulted in 8,878 security checks. In 2020, Deputy Sheriffs responded to 956 commercial and residential alarms and conducted 569 welfare checks. The Road Patrol also handled 609 traffic details in 2020, which included traffic control assistance at special events, special security details, funerals and parade details for the various community or- ganizations throughout the towns and villages of Putnam County. The Sheriff’s Road Patrol again received New York State Governor’s Traffic Safe- ty Program grant funding during the 2020 fiscal year that will carry over into 2021. The Buckle-Up New York Grant and the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant are now combined into the “Police Traffic Services Grant”. This agency re- ceived a total of $11,880 that will be utilized to reimburse overtime costs in the en- forcement of New York State seat belt laws, child safety seat laws and aggressive driver enforcement patrols. Traffic details are conducted in an effort to curb ag- gressive driving by strictly enforcing aggressive driver violations such as rolling through STOP signs, passing in no passing zones, following too closely and speed- ing. The Child Safety Grant provides funding for equipment and training items to offer new child safety seats and equipment utilized in the installation and safety in- spections performed by Deputy Sheriffs certified as Child Safety Seat Technicians. This agency currently has four (4) certified child safety seat installers and inspec- tors. Only ten car seat checks/installations were conducted in 2020 due to the COVID shut down. Child Safety Seat grants continue to assist us in our Depart- ment’s effort in making Putnam County roads and highways safer for the motoring public and to reduce the costs to the County taxpayers in providing the additional patrols and equipment required.
In 2020, the Road Patrol Unit purchased six new patrol cars. The new patrol cars replaced vehicles that were unsafe to operate due to mechanical failures and could no longer pass the New York State safety inspection. The Patrol Division has three (3) license plate readers in operation in patrol vehicles. License plate readers are a rapidly expanding technology that read each and every license plate that the patrol car passes throughout its duty tour and alerts the deputy when it reads a plate that is suspended. It will also alert the deputy with stolen vehicle information, wanted person registered owners, and can be programmed to alert for vehicles possibly involved in criminal activ- ity. The Department has plate reader equipped cars stationed on both the east- ern and western sides of Putnam County. The plate reader system also allows for a data base of plates that were read to be stored for later review.
Additional Patrol Division Statistics 911 Hang-up Calls 320 945 Order Mental Health Transports 26 Abandoned Vehicle Complaints 33 ABC Violations 0 Commercial Intrusion Alarms 597 Residential Intrusion Alarms 359 Hold Up / Panic Alarms 62 Animal Complaints 102 ATF Violations 0 Civil Matters 39 BOLO Calls 202 Criminal Mischief Complaints 65 Disputes – Physical & Verbal 174 Disorderly Subjects 45 Illegal Dumping Complaints 14 Emotionally Disturbed Person Calls 130
Elopees / Runaways 11 Funeral Escorts 3 Fireworks Complaints 36 Reports of Gunshots 69 Missing Persons 24 Money Escorts 262 Motor Vehicle Lockouts 219 Noise Complaints 130 Operation Safeguard 183 Parking Complaints 208 PDAA /PIAA 714 Property Missing / Property Found 64 Road Hazards 209 Request for Service Calls 1,854 Stolen Vehicle Complaints 20 Suspicious Packages 10 Suspicious Activity 83
Suspicious Persons 185 Suspicious Vehicles 337 Traffic Details 609 Trees Down 182 Welfare Checks 569 Wires Down 102
Bicycle Patrol Unit The division’s Bicycle Patrol Unit was out in force during 2020. In 2020, the unit consisted of two (2) sergeants, seven (7) deputies and six (6) auxiliary members. All members are certified bicycle patrol officers. The Unit patrols the Putnam County Bike Trail and provides traffic and crowd control at many of the yearly community functions such as the 4H Fair, community events, marathons and pa- rades. In 2020, the Bicycle Patrol Unit was on duty 319.5 hours.
Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement Unit
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement Unit continued operations in 2020.
The program, originally funded by a New York State grant, keeps Putnam County
roadways safer by promoting commercial vehicle safety and enforcing the New York
State Vehicle & Traffic Laws, the New York State Tax Laws, the New York State
Transportation Laws and the Federal Code of Regulations.
Following is a summary of the Unit’s statistics in 2020: 66 hours on patrol and
37 commercial vehicles checked. Twelve commercial vehicles were found to be over-
weight. A total of 42 summons were issued.
In 2020, it was difficult to enforce most Department of Motor Vehicle paper-
work violations due to the department not being open because of the Corona Virus
pandemic. The Commercial Vehicle Unit focused on public safety violations in 2020.Marine Patrol Unit
For the 2020 boating season, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Marine
Patrol Unit regularly patrolled the state waterways in Putnam County which in-
clude the Hudson River, Lake Oscawana in the Town of Putnam Valley and
Lake Mahopac in the Town of Carmel. In addition, the Marine Unit received
complaints on Kirk Lake in the Town of Carmel and responded with the Unit’s
Zodiac to address the incidents on multiple occasions. The Marine Patrol Unit,
which is comprised of ten deputies and three sergeants, logged 1,201.5 man-
hours patrolling all the waterways. The deputies assigned to the Unit issued a
combination of 25 warnings and summons for Navigational Law violations. The
Unit handled numerous calls ranging from assisting other police agencies to
search and rescue missions. There was one fatality that occurred on the water-
ways in Putnam County in 2020. This search and rescue mission required the
Unit to be on the water 24 hours a day for three days. The Unit members
showed extreme professionalism and knowledge in the recovery of the victim
with the assistance of the Mahopac Falls Dive Team and New York State Police.
The Unit conducted 27 boat inspections to ensure vessels were properly stocked
with safety equipment. The Marine Patrol Unit is a member of the Hudson Riv-
er Task Force which ensures regular security checks of critical infrastructure.
The Marine Patrol Unit also assisted the Hudson River Task Force with security
at West Point during multiple Presidential visits this year.K-9 Unit The Road Patrol’s K-9 Unit continued to perform well this past year. The Depart- ment’s K-9 patrols have assisted with searches of missing persons including missing children. The K-9 Unit also provided crowd control, performed narcotics detection on vehicle and traffic stops, assisted with search warrants, bomb threats. There were no K -9 demonstrations at the local schools and community organizations due to the Corona Virus pandemic. The K-9 handlers and their partners routinely train with the New York State Police at their K-9 Academy in Cooperstown, New York and with the MTA Police at their training facility in Stormville, New York. The Road Patrol Division started the year with six canines. Two department canines, K-9 Char and K-9 Sentinel, retired from service in 2020.
ESU Unit In 2019, the Patrol Division implemented an Emergency Services Unit (ESU). In 2020, the Unit was composed of one sergeant, seven deputies and one K-9. All depu- ties in the Unit train and respond with the Putnam County Tactical Rescue Team. The Tactical Rescue Team is composed of volunteers of the local fire departments that respond to all high angle and confined space incidents in Putnam County. ESU deputies are all trained in life saving first aid and respond to all ambulance calls in their assigned zones. ESU deputies also respond and assist with all fire department calls in their assigned zones. The Emergency Services Unit also has two members who are certified rescue divers. ESU vehicles are equipped with chainsaws to be able to quickly open roadways that become blocked by downed trees. The vehicles also have equipment to help deputies assist disabled motorists with flat tires and dead batteries. The Emergency Services Unit significantly enhances public safety services in Putnam County. Accident Reconstruction Unit The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, along with its partners in the County- wide Crash Investigation/Reconstruction Unit, has advanced capabilities to recon- struct motor vehicle crashes. These capabilities significantly enhance the ability of each agency within the CIRU to investigate serious crashes and to pursue those in- stances that may involve criminal activity or civil liability. Members of the Crash In- vestigation/Reconstruction Unit have received specialized training in the collection of essential data at the scene of serious motor vehicle crashes. The training includes At Scene Crash Investigation, Advanced Traffic Crash Investigation, Forensic Map- ping and Crash Zone.
County Building Security/
Youth And Community Services Bureau
In 2020, Special Patrol Officers (SPO) continued providing security in the Putnam
County Office Building and the Kern Building (Department of Motor Vehicles and
Health Department). Employees have been very pleased to have the presence of
these officers in their buildings on a daily basis. Special Patrol Officers in this post
9/11 world are an asset to security in official buildings within the County. They pro-
vide daily assurance to county employees who work in these buildings that they are
working in a safe environment. All Special Patrol Officers complete firearms training,
active shooter training and taser training annually.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department continues to provide a Deputy Sheriff
who is assigned specifically to county security and youth and community services.
The deputy routinely performs security checks of all county offices and facilities
throughout the workday. The deputy also handles security at County Legislature
meetings each month and provides the Bureau of Emergency Services security during
all Indian Point drills. Additionally, the deputy handles complaints that originate out
of county offices and their personnel and handles any automobile accidents that occur
on county properties.
In 2020, the Sheriff’s Office continued to provide a Deputy Sheriff during busi-
ness hours at the Department of Social Services building located on the Donald B.
Smith Campus in the Town of Carmel. The deputy assigned there assists inproviding a safe and secure working environment for employees and clients of the Social Services Department, Support Collection and Child Protective Services. The deputy’s presence assists the Social Services director in keeping order and security throughout the building on a daily basis. School Resource Officers (SRO) provide their respective schools with security, traffic control and immediate access and response to law enforcement investigations and intervention. They are available during sporting events, dances, proms, PTA meetings, school board meetings and other extra-curricular activities. They counsel students on law enforcement issues, assist teachers with classroom presentations and assist administrators with school security matters, investigations, arrests and many other law enforcement situations occurring on and off school grounds. During the 2020 calendar year (January 1 through June 30 and September 1 through December 31), the SRO’s conducted 1,022 student conferences. They assist- ed administrators on 1,555 occasions. They handled 178 reported complaints that required police action. They made 10 arrests involving both juveniles and adults. They spent 194 hours on classroom presentations. These presentations covered the SRO program, Vehicle & Traffic Laws, Penal Laws, Search and Seizure Laws, sub- stance abuse, DWI awareness, stranger danger, internet safety and many other top- ics. The County Building Security/Youth & Community Services Bureau Deputy Sheriff continues to be an asset not only to the Sheriff’s Department but also to the residents of Putnam County. This deputy is tasked with various responsibilities during the year. He is a fill-in School Resource Officer. He is assigned to assist the senior citizens of our County’s communities by giving presentations such as fraud against the elderly, internet crimes, the “R U OK?” system and Project Lifesaver. He frequently stops at several of the senior centers throughout the County and at- tends their monthly meetings when possible. The deputy also works with the Put- nam County Family Court and the Probation Department handling all PINS (person in need supervision) cases and juvenile delinquent cases and warrants. Also, the
County Building Security/Youth and Community Services deputy is responsible for the Department’s Neighborhood Watch Program and regularly attends meetings of the Communities and Care Coalition. He works closely with the Putnam County Youth Bureau, handles all complaints originating from Putnam County public schools that do not have School Resource Officers and gives lectures and classes as requested to the many private schools and day camps within the County. The County Building Security/Youth & Community Services deputy also admin- isters the Sheriff’s Department Cadet Program. The 2020 class had 60 cadets en- rolled in the program and represents teens from all areas of Putnam County. After being selected for the program, the cadets attend classes that are held once a week for twenty weeks. Classes are given on patrol procedures, communications, Penal Law, Corrections Law, CPR and many other subjects. The cadets volunteer their time to assist Deputy Sheriff’s at special events throughout the year. Once a youth graduates from the program they can begin working shifts with members of the De- partment Road Patrol, Communications, Civil and Corrections divisions. They are also assigned to work at least one tour in the Putnam County 911 Emergency Call Center. They are also eligible to attend the Eastern State Cadet Police Academy in Connecticut. Many former Sheriff’s cadets have become full time police officers in this agency and other area departments. However, unlike previous years, Deputy Sheriff’s from the Youth Bureau did not attend a New York State Sheriff’s Associa- tion Summer Camp due to the pandemic.
Vision for the Future
The year 2020 was unlike previous years with the onset of the pandemic and
the novel Corona Virus taking front and center stage. Continuing to provide
our services to the community, while keeping our members safe and healthy,
created many challenges. Early on, members of the Sheriff’s Department re-
ceived assistance and guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Preven-
tion along with our County Health Department. Members were encouraged to
limit their contact with the general public which caused a significant reduction
in reported traffic-related events. Overall, the Sheriff’s Department has man-
aged through this pandemic and will continue to take the necessary steps to
keep our members and the general public safe and healthy in 2021.
In June 2020, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order #203 which requires
police departments to outline a comprehensive police reform plan by April 1,
2021. The Command Staff of the Sheriff’s Department, along with members of
County government and the community, will be working collaboratively to ac-
complish this task. Most of the focus will consider evidence-based policing
strategies, including but not limited, to use of force policies; procedural justice;
any studies addressing systemic racial bias or racial injustice in policing; implic-
it bias awareness training; de-escalation training and practices; law enforcement
assisted diversion programs; restorative justice practices; community-based out-
reach and conflict resolution; problem-oriented policing; hot spots policing; fo-
cused deterrence; crime prevention through environmental design; violence pre-
vention and reduction interventions; model policies and guidelines promulgat-
ed by the NYS Municipal Police Training Council; and standards promulgated
by the NYS Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.Bureau of Criminal Investigation
Capt. John Jennings
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department General Investigations Unit
consists of nine sworn members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department.
Assigned are one Senior Investigator and eight Criminal Investigators. The Unit
is supported by Investigator John Hyla for Computer Forensic Examinations as
well as Forensic Mobile Device Examinations.
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation is primarily charged with the inves-
tigation of:
All felonies with the exception of the DWI Section of the New York State
Vehicle and Traffic Law.
All fatal or serious personal injury auto crashes except where the crash
consists of only one car or one occupant.
All departmental matters involving parole, conditional release, probation
and/or conditional discharge.
All departmental matters relating to provisions of the New York State So-
cial Service Law.
All complaints concerning explosives and/or explosive devices.
All reported deaths occurring without a physician actually present and
any death which may be deemed suspicious.
All injuries caused by a discharged firearm.
All aircraft and/or train accidents.
All missing person investigations.
All applicant background investigations.
All matters referred by Child Protective and/or Adult Protective Services.
All domestic violence follow-up investigations.
All reported sex crimes.
All investigations related to issuance of bad checks due to closed accounts
or insufficient funds.
All serious criminal activity ie: larcenies-criminal mischief.
All Aggravated Harassment complaints.All terrorism/homeland security related complaints including but not limited to
suspicious persons, packages, envelopes and/or containers.
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation is also responsible for investigating and exe-
cuting the following types of Arrest/Bench Warrants:
All felony arrest warrants.
All Family Court warrants of arrest.
All Probation Department arrest warrants
All arrest/bench warrants involving extradition from other jurisdictions.
All arrest/bench warrants lodged against a subject incarcerated in the Putnam
County Correctional Facility.
All misdemeanor arrest/bench warrants as requested by a member of BCI.
The BCI Commander (Captain) assisted several agencies during the year. He is the
liaison to the Putnam County Intelligence Group, Westchester County Counter Ter-
rorism Group Zone 3 (CTZ3), Dutchess County Intelligence Group, the New York
State Intelligence Center (NYSIC), the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the FBI Safe
Streets Task Force.
In 2020 Investigator Matthew Tunney became a full-time Task Force Officer with
the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF) while Investigator
Shaun Menton became a full-time Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Ad-
ministration. The partnerships have been extremely fruitful, culminating in numer-
ous successful prosecutions for Identity Theft, Distribution/Possession of Child Por-
nography and Narcotics Trafficking, all of which had a direct nexus to Putnam Coun-
ty.
Investigators Pitt, Piazza and Hyla remain sworn “part time” Task Force Of-
ficers with the United States Department of Homeland Security. The formal partner-
ship gives PCSO investigators the ability to utilize Homeland Security Task Force
manpower that consists of law enforcement members from all surrounding counties.
Moreover, PCSO investigators can now share and gain intelligence as well as investi-
gative expertise with our federal partners.
In 2020 BCI investigators continued to advance the department initiative to make
child pornography investigations a top priority. With the assistance of K-9 Hanna, In-
vestigators executed three search warrants that resulted in two arrests and the discov-
ery of thousands of illegal pornographic images. BCI investigators alsoassisted the FBI with digital forensic analysis in five additional child pornography
investigations resulting in the successful prosecution of numerous individuals
and the identification of numerous victims.
In 2020, Captain Jennings retained the role of department liaison to the FBI
Joint Terrorism Task Force. As such, information related to potential and ongoing
terrorism investigations, with a nexus to Putnam County, flowed freely, to and
from the PCSO and the FBI. Moreover, the outstanding relationship that has
evolved with our federal partners has resulted in the successful prosecution of nu-
merous individuals for federal and state violations. Among those were the arrest
of 7 Felony Lane Gang members in various locations throughout the country, a vi-
olent fugitive from Putnam County, arrested in California, and known Sovereign
Citizens, all of whom have victimized residents of Putnam County.
Investigators from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation also assisted Put-
nam County Probation with home checks of county probationers. Specifically,
Inv. Devolve has a long standing working relationship with Probation and contin-
ues to assist on a regular basis.
BCI WARRANT SUMMARY: 2020
Family/Supreme Court 3
Local Court 5
Superior Court 5
FOA 1
Fugitives 2
Probation 0
Extraditions 1
Total Warrants Handled: 15
Total Warrants Executed: 10
Vacated by Courts: 5
Open Warrants: 3
Unable To Locate for FOA: 0
Investigators from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation continued to work
closely with representatives from the Child Advocacy Center and The Woman’s
Resource Center of Putnam County. This relationship is well established and is
imperative in order to facilitate criminal investigations as well as victim assis-
tance.Recognizing the severity of domestic violence, Domestic Incident Report
(DIR) follow up investigations are conducted by members of the Bureau of Crimi-
nal Investigation. It has been and continues to be a significant priority of the unit.
Additionally, DIR investigations further solidify the importance of a good working
relationship with the Woman’s Resource Center and the Child Advocacy Center.
Please note the following 2020 (Covid-19) statistical highlights and trends:
- The total number of cases investigated by the General Investigations Unit in
2020 was 754 a decrease from 834 in 2019.
- Criminal activity in 2020 was somewhat anomalous compared to other years.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions during the first quarter of 2020, most of the
criminal activity occurred during the months of July through December.
- 194 Domestic Incident Reports were investigated in 2020, a moderate
decrease from 251 in 2019.
Additional 2020 BCI Statistics:
Assaults – 17
Burglaries - 32
Criminal Mischiefs - 30
Death Investigations- 37
Grand Larceny Investigated– 80
Harassment Investigated - 14
Sex Crimes Investigated - 14
Internet Crimes Against Children –11
Homicide—1Training
In 2020, Investigators from BCI attended the following training:
Inv. Tunney attended “DOJ National Law Enforcement Training on Child Exploita-
tion.”
Inv. Hunsberger attended “Law Enforcement Rescue Task Force” Training.
Inv. Tunney attended “Advanced Cellebrite” training.
Note: Due to restrictions resulting from the onset of COVID-19, most 2020 training
opportunities were cancelled or postponed indefinitely.Crime Scene Unit
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Unit of the Bureau of
Criminal Investigation consists of four sworn members of the Putnam County
Sheriff’s Department. Assigned are one Senior Investigator and three Criminal
Investigators. Central Records and Pistol Permits also fall under the Crime Scene
Unit. Central Records consist of one Senior Typist and Pistol Permits consists of
one Senior Typist and one Temporary Part Time Employee. The Unit is support-
ed by Investigator John Hyla for Computer Forensic Examinations as well as Fo-
rensic Mobile Device Examinations.
The Crime Scene Unit is primarily charged with the discovery, documenta-
tion, preservation, and analysis of crime-scene evidence. Crime scene evidence is
photographed, collected, preserved and prepared for further scientific analysis as
well as prepared for use in court. Members respond to crime scenes involving
but not limited to Burglaries, Criminal Mischief, Larcenies, Personal Injury Auto-
mobile Accidents, Fatal Automobile Accidents, Fire Investigations including Ar-
son Investigations, Assaults, Robberies, Sexual Assaults, Death Investigations, as
well as all autopsies conducted as a result of an investigation handled by our of-
fice. Members are also called upon by other agencies to assist as needed.
Laboratory forensic examination includes, but is not limited to, the chemical
enhancement, classification, and comparison of fingerprints, cyanoacrylate vapor
-fuming, dye staining, casting, and alternate light source applications.
Crime Scene Unit Members are some of the most highly trained members of
the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Specialty areas of expertise would include
blood spatter interpretation, shooting reconstruction, firearms analysis, forensic
computer examination, and mobile device examination. Crime Scene unit mem-
bers are also members of four specialized county teams, Hazardous MaterialResponse Team, Emergency Response Team, Hostage Negotiation Team, and the
Fire Investigation Team. Two members of the unit are Firearms Instructors within
the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and two unit members are also graduates of the
FBI National Academy.
Members supervise and assist with all DEA Medication Take Back Events,
Safe Child events and maintain 5 medication drop boxes throughout Putnam
County. The unit is responsible for all Putnam Sheriff’s Department ID’s as well as
the Cold Spring Police Department. The unit is also responsible for producing
HR218 cards for retired members who seek to be in compliance with the Federal
Law Enforcement Safety Act of 2004. Additionally, the unit also produces Life Sav-
er ID cards as well as Fire Police ID’s for our local fire departments.
Members are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for crime scene pro-
cessing and other duties. Members, on average, are on call for 60, 24 hour days
throughout the year. Each member is called out, on an average, approximately 100
hours throughout the year.
The Senior Investigator in charge of the unit is charged with the supervision of
the day-to-day operations of the unit and manages tasks assigned to the members
of the unit. Additionally, he oversees the progress of these tasks, such as the pro-
cessing of crime scenes, processing of evidence, evidence collection, storage and
destruction.
The Senior Investigator is responsible for all interviews conducted as a result of
Putnam County pistol permit investigations. The Senior Investigator also repre-
sents the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office at all hearings brought before the Putnam
County Pistol Permit Licensing Officer in The County Court of Putnam County.The Senior Investigator is similarly trained in the different aspects of the Crime
Scene Unit and fills in as needed when other members are unavailable.
In 2020 the Crime Scene Unit handled the following crime scenes and tasks:
Total scenes processed: 152
Burglary: 35
Criminal Mischief: 11
Larceny: 10
Search Warrants: 9
Fire Investigations: 5
Arson: 2
Robbery: 2
Sexual Assaults: 5
Criminal Possession of a Weapon: 3
Death Investigations: 37
Assist Other Agencies: 4
Forensic Mobile Device Examinations: 155
Forensic Computer Examinations: 15
Autopsies: 11
Overall Items Received as Evidence: 3,200
Total Items Destroyed: 1,295
Medication Take Back Destruction: 1,620 lbs.
Weapons Destroyed: 364
Latent Print Examinations/Identifications: 8/2
DNA Cases: 4
Safe Child Events: 0
Total Items of Evidence 11,570Pistol Permits
The Pistol Permit unit is responsible to perform public fingerprinting, all pistol
permit processing, and pistol permit investigations. The unit receives pistol permit
applications from the Putnam County Clerk’s Office. Explanation of Pistol Permits
responsibilities are as follows:
Applications received: Once the completed application is received, applicants
are entered into Live Scan. An appointment is scheduled for an interview and fin-
gerprinting, to obtain their criminal history and any mental health information. Gun
inquiries are done for all guns requested to be put on applicants permit.
Processed: Applicants are run through National Instant Criminal Background
Check System (NICS), Brady Handgun Check and an investigation is conducted
which consists of reviewing all paperwork received in applicants folder: criminal
history, Office of Mental Health check, NYS Department of Motor Vehicle response,
reference letters, open source data, which consists of social media and various inter-
net searches. All available department records are checked as well. The file is then
reviewed by the Senior Investigator followed by the Captain of the Bureau of Crimi-
nal Investigation, both of which sign off on whether there is no objection, or a rec-
ommendation of denial, for the applicant. The file is copied and the original sent
back to the Putnam County Clerk’s Office. After review by the Putnam County
Clerk’s Office it is sent to the Pistol Permit Hearing Officer for approval. If approved
it is entered into the PCSO Records Management System and filed. If it is denied, a
Decision and Order is received from the Pistol Permit Hearing Officer and entered
into RMS and filed.
Suspension Requests: Upon the receipt of an arrest or Temporary Order of Pro-
tection notification through either E-justice or from another agency, a letter is sent to
the Putnam County Attorney’s Office. These files remain pending decision by either
the County Attorney of the Pistol Licensing Officer.
Pistol Permit Hearings: These hearings are conducted as a result of: a pistol per-
mit upgrade, pistol permit denial, new applicants, suspensions, or notification from
the Office of Mental Health. An investigation is conducted in the same manner as
when a new applicant is processed, with the exception of fingerprinting. A criminal
history check is run and an Office of Mental Health check is run when the hearing is
requested due to mental health reasons. Files are copied and delivered to the Coun-
ty Attorney’s Office, and the Senior Investigator, pending the hearing. An Investiga-
tive report is completed and submitted with the folder. During the hearingthe County Attorney is present on behalf of the County and the Senior Investigator
is the representative for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office in all of these matters.
Amendment Investigation: When no activity has taken place on an appli-
cant’s permit in over five years, the County Clerk’s Office requests an investigation.
This applies when the applicant: Requests to acquire or dispose of a weapon,
change of employment, change of address, or requests a duplicate permit. This in-
vestigation is the same investigation conducted for a pistol permit hearing. These
are then reviewed and signed off on when reviewed by the Senior Investigator as
either reviewed and approved or are requested for a hearing to be held. Starting in
April 2018 all upgrade amendment investigations will be conducted whether there
has been activity in five years or not. This investigation is reviewed and signed off
on by the Senior Investigator.
Office of Mental Health Check: This is a function exclusive to the Pistol Per-
mit Unit within the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and has a twenty-four hour re-
sponse time. This database retains information on both New York State Mental Hy-
giene Law 9.46 and New York State Mental Hygiene Law 9.41. Both of which could
prevent the possession of any firearm or ammunition under federal law. This check
is done for all investigations, hearings and new applicants.
National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS): This is also an
exclusive function of the Pistol Permit Unit and is run for all investigations and
when a gun is returned to an owner from the possession of the Putnam County
Sheriff’s Office. This check will also reveal if a subject is barred under federal law
from the possession of any firearm or ammunition.
2020 Pistol Permit Unit Statistics
Applications Received: 272
Pending end of December 2019: 94
Processed Applications: 213
Permits Suspended/Revoked: 12
Applicants Approved: 186
Recommended Disapproval: 16
Dealer/Gunsmith License Renewals: 5
Hearings Attended: 75Central Records
Central Records is responsible, among other things, for providing a repository
for all criminal history files; as well as maintaining, securing, and purging of such
records as required by law.
Foil Requests: Responsibilities include obtaining and providing all case infor-
mation for all FOIL requests received by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. This
involves locating the requested information and identifying pertinent information
as well as maintaining a log for accreditation purposes. Files await approval from
The Civil Division Captain and upon approval they are disseminated to the reques-
tor.
Good Conduct Letters: Responsible for providing Good Conduct letters for
people requesting same when traveling or moving abroad. All department records
are checked for this process.
Arson Background Checks: All Department records, E-justice records, and Sex
Offender Registry records are checked for an investigation requested by a local Fire
Department for a new member of their department.
Record Checks: All department records and DMV records are checked for all
background requests from any municipality or business requesting same as a con-
dition of employment, for any new employee. These requests are also received
from Hospitals, Military, and Police Departments throughout the country.
Arrests Records: All arrests records for Road Patrol and BCI records are pro-
cessed through Central Records and scanned into Department computer system for
preservation. These records are then disseminated to the proper entity, District At-
torney’s Office, Courts, etc. Once cases are closed they are filed in the restoration
room for one year. After one year, Central Records oversees their transfer to per-
manent retention at the Putnam County Retention Center. Central Records also
maintains all dispositions and sealing orders as required by law.
Hand Gun Safety Class: Responsibilities include scheduling and enrolling all
requests to attend the Hand Gun Safety Class held by the Putnam County Sheriff’s
Office. Maintenance of all fees required for the course as well as the delivery of all
certificates, upon successful completion of the course.2020 Central Records Statistics
Good Conduct Letters: 18
Record Checks: 450
Arrest Files: 411
Hand Gun Safety Class: 166
Sealed Reports: 375
Sex Offender Registry
In 2019 members of the BCI Crime Scene Unit assumed from the Civil Division, the
responsibility of managing the sex offender registration and community notifica-
tion functions pursuant the New York State Sex Offender Registration Act. Mem-
bers enforce sex offender registration requirements of 32 offenders within the
PCSO jurisdiction.
2020 Sex Offender Statistics
Level I: 16
Level II: 15
Level III: 5
Federal Probation: 0Narcotics Enforcement Unit
The current strength of the Narcotics Enforcement Unit is nine sworn members
of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department. Assigned unit strength is; one Senior
Investigator, three Criminal Investigators and five Deputies. Administrative assis-
tance is provided by the BCI Senior Office Assistant. The NEU is primarily charged
with detecting and arresting drug dealers. In addition, members of the NEU are
charged with investigating criminal activities where undercover surveillance and
operations are required. The NEU is regularly involved in investigations with other
law enforcement agencies and drug task forces including the DEA, NYSP, FBI,
NYPD and the Westchester County Police Department. The NEU belongs to and op-
erates as part of the Putnam / Westchester Northern Counties Coalition. Members
of the coalition share information, officers and equipment in an effort to streamline
investigations which cross jurisdictional boundaries.
The Senior Investigator in charge of the unit is charged with the supervision
of the day-to-day operations of the unit and assigns investigations to the members
of the unit. Additionally, he oversees the progress of those cases on a regular basis.
He insures that cases are completed and the proper procedures are followed, in-
cluding arrests of defendants. He oversees the preparation and execution of unit ar-
rest and search warrants. The Senior Investigator is also responsible for supervising
the seizure of all assets by the Narcotics Enforcement Unit. He helps prepare and
administer the yearly budget and the disbursement of District Attorney funds used
for investigations. He is answerable directly to the Captain of the Sheriff’s Depart-
ment Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
As well as conducting undercover narcotics investigations, members assigned
to the Narcotics Enforcement Unit have the responsibility of preparing felony com-
plaints, search warrants, and affidavits for asset seizures in addition to the mainte-
nance and operation of technical equipment.Members of the Unit also lend assistance to other divisions within the Sheriff’s
Department as well as other police agencies. This assistance involves such matters as
the preparation of search warrants, video recordings of investigations and surveil-
lance photography. At times they provide assistance to other agencies in covert oper-
ations by providing equipment such as undercover audio and video transmitters and
expertise in their operation.
Three Deputy Sheriffs assigned to the Narcotics Enforcement Unit conduct
narcotics, and other investigations while working in an undercover capacity. All
members conduct anti-crime and anti-terrorism patrols. The Narcotics Enforcement
Unit has widened its scope of investigations to include targeting both large and
small-scale drug dealers. High emphasis is given to illegal drug use and sale, as well
as any street crime in Putnam County which affects the quality of life.
The NEU has one investigator assigned to the DEA task force 3+ days a week
as well as two investigators who work in various undercover capacities. In 2020 ad-
ditional emphasis has been placed on sharing information and working more direct-
ly with our local and federal law enforcement partners. This emphasis has resulted
in larger seizures of narcotics and illegal weapons as well as arrests of higher level
narcotics traffickers in and around Putnam County. Additionally, members of the
NEU assist all law enforcement agencies in Putnam County with fatal and non-fatal
overdose investigations.
Two Deputies within the NEU are assigned as a “Special Conditions Patrol”.
As such, it is their responsibility to patrol the County in unmarked police vehicles
and conduct street level stops of suspicious persons/vehicles. The Deputies assigned
to the “SCU” are assigned to detect and deter street level narcotics sales, investigate
other quality of life crimes and cultivate confidential informants for the NEU. They
also conduct search and arrest warrants with the NEU. The SCU is designed to aug-
ment both the Narcotics and Patrol divisions of the Sheriff’s Department.
During 2020 the SCU was responsible for the arrests of more than 20 individ-
uals and the cultivation of several confidential informants.
The Principal Office Assistant assigned to the Narcotics Enforcement Unit had
the responsibility of handling and preparing correspondence for the Senior Investi-
gator of the Unit. She maintained all financial records pertaining to the budget, Dis-
trict Attorney funds and assets received. She coordinated travel arrangements and
maintained records related to all schools and seminars attended by the Unit. Part ofthe Principal Office Assistant’s duties included input of monthly schedules,
memos, letters, entering defendants into an intelligence system, monthly statistics,
filing and completing requisitions or vouchers needed for supplies or payments, and
maintaining personnel records. Unfortunately, this position was defunded for fiscal
year 2021.
The NEU participates in Operation Safe-T-net. This program is administered
by the New York State Police and HIDTA. The program acts as a clearinghouse in
which individuals, locations, vehicles and electronic addresses such as e-mail or
twitter accounts where suspected narcotics transactions are occurring or are ar-
ranged can be vetted by multiple law enforcement agencies. Personnel from the NEU
enter the information into the database, it is electronically sorted and any law en-
forcement agency which has entered similar information is notified of the “match or
conflict”. The system is designed to improve the flow of sensitive information be-
tween agencies and prevent multiple agencies from conducting parallel investiga-
tions into the same target without those agencies being aware. The safety of under-
cover officers/ investigators operating within the program is thus enhanced by hav-
ing the open flow of information. The program also “links” the investigating agen-
cies allowing for joint investigations which are generally more productive than mul-
tiple single agency cases.TRAINING
During the course of the year members of the NEU attended advanced training to
keep abreast of current trafficking trends and the latest techniques for combating
those trends. During 2020 however, restrictions resulting from the onset of COVID
-19 caused all NEU training opportunities to be cancelled or postponed indefinitely.
Members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit con-
ducted a total of 68 controlled drug buys in 2020 .
DRUGS SEIZED:
FENTANYL: 750 grams
COCAINE: 2,500 grams.
HEROIN: 500 grams
MARIJUANA: >250 pounds
METHAMPHETAMINE: 150 grams
OTHER NARCOTICS INCLUDING but not limited to: VICODIN, OXYCODONE,
PERCOCET, XANAX, MDMA,PCP, LSD, STEROIDS, & METHODONE ETC.
*** All weights are estimated based on uncalibrated/uncertified department scales
and may include packaging.
DEFENDANTS ARRESTED 2020 – 65*
CRIMINAL CHARGES-: 159 felonies, 53 misdemeanors* as well as numerous viola-
tions and traffic infractions.
*Excluding Bench Warrants
The NEU seized $134,204 as a result of their investigations in 2020. As a result of
the collaboration between DEA and the NEU, the Sheriff’s Department is eligible to
receive a portion of the $3,162,910.88 seized in 2020 by the DEA group that a mem-
ber of the NEU is assigned to.SEIZED VEHICLES During the year 16 vehicles were seized through a program in which the NEU and the Office of the District Attorney move to have the vehicles forfeited for sale at public auction or placed into service by the NEU. TOTAL VEHICLE SEIZURE $150,071.49 Note that all vehicles are turned over to the District Attorney’s Office to determine whether the vehicle is to be returned, added to the county motor pool or sold at public auction. DRUG HOTLINE (225-DRUG) CALLS The NEU receives numerous investigative leads on the drug hotline. Information is vetted for credibility, jurisdictional nexus to Putnam County, as well as decon- fliction with other agencies. If the information is unable to be acted upon by the NEU, information is forwarded law enforcement agencies throughout the United States when appropriate.
2020 Notable Investigations -In September, members of the NEU conducted controlled purchases of heroin from a subject in the Town of Carmel. When the subject was later taken into custody, The NEU recovered a loaded, unlawfully possessed pistol from the target, a convicted felon. -In October, members of the NEU working in conjunction with, United States Homeland Security Investigations (HIS), and the and Town of Carmel Police De- partment, conducted a controlled delivery and subsequently executed a search war- rant in the Town of Carmel. During this operation, the NEU recovered approxi- mately 500 grams of cocaine and an illegal firearm. Members of the NEU assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, working in conjunction with HSI, followed up on several investigative leads garnered from this arrest. As a result of the subsequent investigation, two arrests were made; 1200 grams of heroin, 600 grams of fentanyl, one kilogram of cocaine, and two illegal firearms were also recovered. -In October and November, the NEU conducted an investigation into methampheta- mine and cocaine sales throughout the county. On November 16, 2020, the NEU simultaneously executed four search warrants in Putnam and Westchester Coun- ty. As a result of this investigation, three arrests were made. The NEU recovered the following: approximately 50 grams of cocaine, 120 grams of methamphetamine, multiple prescription medications packaged for sale, approximately $90,000 in nar- cotics proceeds, and five unlawfully possessed pistols. The NEU was assisted by the DEA, HSI, the Town of Carmel Police Department, Westchester County Police Department, and the Putnam County Emergency Response Team on this case. Officers Down 328 officers nationwide were killed in the line of duty, including 197 Covid-19 deaths., 303 Male/25 Female. 21 K9 in the line of duty deaths. In New York State, 6 officers were lost.
Civil Division
Capt. Lisa Ortolano
The Civil Division of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office performs the constitu-
tionally mandated and statutorily authorized civil enforcement functions of the Sher-
iff. The Civil Division, under the Sheriff’s ultimate direction, enforces a myriad of
provisions of the New York State Civil Practice Law and Rules and constitutes the ex-
clusive enforcement arm within the County for local, county, state, and federal courts.
The Civil Division members carry out a wide spectrum of judicial mandates, judg-
ments, and orders. Legal process is received and served on behalf of courts, members
of the bar, and private citizens.
2020 was a challenging year for Putnam County due to the Covid-19 pandemic
that had a detrimental financial impact on the County. As of May 2020, the staff
strength of the Civil Division was seven (7) members: four (4) sworn members and
three (3) non-sworn members. The sworn positions were a Captain, a Sergeant, and
two (2) Deputy Sheriffs. The non-sworn positions were one (1) full-time Senior Office
Assistant, one (1) full time Office Assistant and one (1) part-time Account Clerk/
Typist funded under the Civil Division’s temporary personnel line. Since June 2020,
the staff strength of the Civil Division was six (6) members: four (4) sworn members
and two (2) non-sworn members. The sworn positions were a Captain, a Sergeant,
and two (2) Deputy Sheriffs. The non-sworn positions were one (1) full-time Senior
Office Assistant and one (1) full time Office Assistant. In June 2020, the part-time Ac-
count Clerk/Typist position became vacant. Due to the financial hardship on the
County, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the part-time position was left vacant
for the rest of year 2020. Moreover, during the entire 2020 year the position ofSergeant remained vacant as the Sergeant was on leave. A decision was made not to
temporarily fill the Sergeant’s position with another Sergeant during 2020 since to do
so would incur overtime expenses and require specialized training that was not of-
fered during 2020. Moreover, the Covid-19 restrictions significantly reduced the work-
load of the Civil Division.
The Captain is responsible for the overall management of all operations of the
Civil Division, developing and implementing Bureau policy, supervising, and assist-
ing the members under her command and providing legal expertise in a broad range
of areas of Department operations. Within the Civil Division, the Captain reviews the
various documents received and generated to insure legality of process and compli-
ance with law.
In addition to overseeing the Civil Division operations, the Captain provides in-
house legal advice and counsel to other divisions in the Department and performs
other assigned duties, to include, without limitation, collective bargaining, the duties
of designated Records Access Officer for the Sheriff’s Department, training members
on pertinent legal issues, Public Information Officer, member of the employer’s Col-
lective Bargaining Team, and Department liaison to the County Attorney, District At-
torney, and outside counsel in litigation matters.
The Sergeant is responsible for overseeing and coordinating field service activi-
ties of service of process and the enforcement of court orders and mandates. He as-
sists the Captain in her duties, including the drafting and distribution of press releas-
es. The Sergeant assumes responsibility for the Division operations in the Captain’s
absence. The Sergeant also presides over the disciplinary hearings in the Putnam
County Correctional Facility. However, since the position was vacant for the year 2020
the Captain took on much of the responsibilities of the Sergeant in 2020.
The assigned Deputies are responsible for the service of process and enforce-
ment of court orders and mandates as required. The Deputies also assist and augment
the Patrol Division in its operations as necessary, responding to emergencies, making
arrests, enforcing the criminal laws, and providing service and protection to the pub-
lic.The Senior Office Assistant is responsible for the bookkeeping for fees and oth-
er monies received. She calculates the appropriate deposits and disbursements of
civil judgment collections. She applies payments received to the respective judg-
ments, prepares checks for authorized signatures, and operates the computerized
accounting system in place. She, along with the Office Assistant and the Account
Clerk/Typist, is responsible for preparing legal process for service, and ensuring
that affidavits are made to evidence proof of service by the sworn members. She
also performs secretarial duties for the Civil Bureau Captain.
The Office Assistant is the Assistant Records Access Officer and, under direct
supervision of the Captain, is responsible for retrieving, redacting, and disseminat-
ing documents under the Freedom of Information Law (F.O.I.L.), and collecting
the corresponding fees. She has the primary responsibility for reception of walk-in
visitors and answers telephone inquiries. She, along with the Senior Office Assis-
tant and the Account Clerk/Typist, is responsible for preparing legal process for
service, and ensuring that affidavits are made to evidence proof of service by the
sworn members. Additionally, the Office Assistant assists the Senior Office Assis-
tant and the Account Clerk Typists and assumes their responsibilities in their ab-
sence. She also performs secretarial duties for the Civil Bureau Captain and Ser-
geant.
The Account Clerk/Typist performs a cashier function, being responsible for
receiving payments and issuing receipts. She calculates the appropriate daily de-
posits and cash bail funds and maintains the daily cashier’s reports. She is respon-
sible for the daily accounting of the cash box. She processes Eviction Warrants and
coordinates the subsequent eviction. She, along with the Senior Office Assistant
and the Office Assistant, is also responsible for preparing legal process for service,
and ensuring that affidavits are made to evidence proof of service by the sworn
members. She is expected to handle walk-in visitor reception and telephone calls
and also assists with secretarial duties for the Captain and Sergeant. She is cross
trained to handle the duties of the Senior Office Assistant and the Office Assistant
in their absences. Since June 2020, those duties have been shared by the Senior Of-
fice Assistant and the Office Assistant.
In 2020, the Civil Division received and processed a total of 517 pieces of civ-
il process, representing approximately a 43% decrease from the preceding year’s
volume (918 pieces). Process included summonses, subpoenas, Family Court pa-
pers, District Attorney Subpoenas, court orders, petitions, warrants to remove, no-
tices to tenants, commitment orders, replevin orders, real property executions,You can also read
