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Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith said the additional security during the religious holidays is precautionary and not in response to any particular threats.
The actions are part of Operation Safeguard, a regularly planned part of a counterterrorism strategy of police agencies in the area of Counter Terrorism Zone 3, which includes Putnam and Westchester counties.
Counter-Terrorism Zone 3, or CTZ3, is one of 16 zones in New York state that were established in 2001, when the state created the Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services after 9/11. The CTZs are organized under the Office of Counter Terrorism, a subunit of the DHSES, to coordinate efforts of federal, state and local agencies in fighting terrorism.
Police have increased visible patrols around places of worship and religious gatherings, and have increased security checks at train stations, commuter parking lots, bus stops, malls and public parks hosting holiday events now through the evening of Saturday, April 11.
“To fight terrorism, all of us need to be vigilant about what is going on around us, and citizens should report suspicious activities to law enforcement,” said Smith.
The CTZ also offers the following guidance to citizens if they observe suspicious activity:
- Do not confront the individual(s).
- Do not reveal your suspicions to the individual(s).
- Do record as many details as possible.
- Do notify the sheriff’s office or your local police agency by calling 911 or call the Safe NYS Tipline at 866-Safe-NYS (866-723-3697).
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