Ulster County law enforcement officers are spearheading a county-wide effort to review local school safety policies, and are seeking input from the public about what can be done to make Ulster County schools safer.
In the wake of the Newtown shootings in December, the topic of school safety has been the subject of intense focus across the country. Locally, the Marbletown Elementary School in the Rondout Valley district had a scare recently when an anonymous letter-writer threatened the school.
Throughout the month of January, a new committee recently set up to review school safety policies will be seeking input from local citizens. The committee, formed by the Ulster County Police Chiefs' Association, is made up of representatives from local and state police and the county District Attorney's Office, and chaired by Ulster County Undersheriff Frank Faluotico.
A press release issued Monday by the Ulster County Sheriff's Office:
In light of recent widespread concern surrounding school safety, Sheriff Paul VanBlarcum and District Attorney Holley Carnright are seeking written comment from the public. They invite citizens to express their concerns, either by email to sheriff@co.ulster.ny.us or by letter mailed to the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, Attention: School Safety Concerns, 380 Boulevard, Kingston, NY 12401.
Local law enforcement administrators have appeared at area school public forums and have communicated with all Ulster County school superintendents to listen to concerns and answer questions posed.
The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office are coordinating with the New York State Police, local municipal police departments, and the Ulster County Police Chiefs’ Association to address school safety on a countywide level, in partnership with all area school superintendents.
The Ulster County Police Chiefs’ Association has formed a committee to undertake this effort. Chairing the committee is Undersheriff Frank Faluotico, also serving on the committee are Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright, Capt. Robert Nuzzo of the New York State Police, City of Kingston Chief Egidio Tinti, Town of Shawangunk Chief Frank Petrone, Town of New Paltz Chief Joseph Snyder and Town of Saugerties Chief Joseph Sinagra. The committee will review written comments received by the Sheriff in the next 3 weeks.
We thank you in advance for your participation and look forward to working with the community to make our county safer.
