Putnam County's Operation Safeguard Continues Over Easter

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. -- The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department is reminding the public to stay vigilant about the threat of terrorism over the holiday weekend.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Department is reminding the public to be vigilant about the threat of terrorism during Easter.
Photo Credit: *File*

Jay Waitkus

03/23/2016 1:00 p.m.

Police have announced they will be continuing Operation Safeguard, an initiative enacted in 2004 to educate, promote and remind citizens that the threat of terrorism is ongoing and that continued vigilance by the public, business sector and law enforcement is essential for the public’s safety.

New York state is divided into 16 counterterrorism zones, according to officials.

Westchester and Putnam counties are part of Counterterrorism Zone 3, police report.

During the Easter holiday weekend, law enforcement agencies throughout the area will be conducting periodic security checks of religious facilities, train stations, commuter parking lots, bus routes, shopping malls and public parks where holiday events may be held, according to officials.

While the public may notice more police officers on patrol during the holiday weekend, the increased uniform presence is part of law enforcement’s counterterrorism strategy of continued vigilance, officials report.

Police remind the public that recent events have made it more important than ever for citizens to be aware of what is going on around them and not become complacent in their everyday routines.

Police note that new tools and tactics used by those seeking to bring our way of life to a stop and advancing their own agendas are continuously being discovered.

While encouraging the public to celebrate the holiday season, officials request that citizens be mindful of behavior that does not match the usual pattern of activity found within their daily lives and report anything suspicious to authorities.

Police are reminding citizens who observe suspicious activity not to confront or reveal their suspicions to anyone who may be in question.

If suspicious behavior is observed, record as many details as possible. Notify local police agencies either by calling directly, dialing 911 or calling the New York State Terrorism Tips Line at 866-SAFE-NYS (866-723-3697).

“If you see something, say something,” officials request in a statement.

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