Government

FBI Warning of Potential Attack County & Towns, Law Enforcement On Alert

Published

2 years ago

April 14, 2024

New City, NY – The County of Rockland, along with towns and law enforcement, are on alert following an FBI warning made Thursday to the House of Representatives. During that panel, FBI Bureau Director Christopher Wray said he was increasingly concerned about “the potential for a coordinated attack here [United States] in the homeland, akin to the Isis-K attack we saw at the Russia Concert Hall just a couple weeks ago.”

“As I look back over my career in law enforcement, I would be hard-pressed to think of a time where so many threats to our public safety and national security were so elevated all at once. But that is the case as I sit here today,” said Wray.

Back in March, 144 people were killed and over 500 injured when four armed gunman stormed a Russian concert hall and open fired before setting fire to the building. The Islamic State group took responsibility for what is the deadliest attack in Russia in two decades.

The County of Rockland along with its municipal partners are on alert following the FBI Warning and urge residents who see something to say something.

Government

Report Litterbugs in Rockland County Through Keep Rockland Beautiful Program

Published

2 days ago

May 9, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Littering is illegal and can result in fines for those who commit the offense. Some litterbugs simply need to be informed and reminded that littering — whether deliberate or unintentional — can end with a personal commitment to stop.

The Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program encourages the public to report people who litter in an effort to help make Rockland County’s roadways cleaner. The program provides every individual with an opportunity to be an active participant in reducing litter.

If you see someone littering from their car, or trash blowing out from the back of a truck, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office will send the vehicle owner a warning letter based on your report to Keep Rockland Beautiful.

To report a litterbug, visit: Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program

Government

Senate Approves Bill Expanding SPCA Fingerprinting Access

Published

4 days ago

May 7, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

A bipartisan bill sponsored by Pete Harckham aimed at helping SPCAs across New York more effectively investigate and prosecute animal cruelty cases has passed the State Senate unanimously.

The legislation, S.1664, would authorize SPCA officers statewide to access the same live scan fingerprinting system currently used by law enforcement agencies following an arrest. Supporters say the measure would streamline arrest processing, improve officer efficiency, and help prevent suspects from avoiding prosecution.

At present, many SPCA officers in New York must rely on outside law enforcement agencies to process fingerprints after making an arrest, often causing delays.

“SPCA officers must have the tools and resources they need to protect defenseless animals from cruelty and neglect and the public at large from serial abusers,” Harckham said in a statement. “With access to live scan fingerprinting, officers can quickly determine whether a suspect has a history of abuse or is wanted for other crimes.”

Harckham said the legislation was inspired by conversations with officers from the Putnam County SPCA, who reported that delays in fingerprint processing sometimes allowed suspects with outstanding warrants to remain free longer than necessary.

Chief Ken Ross of the Putnam County SPCA praised the bill’s passage, noting the connection between animal cruelty and other violent crimes.

“Animal cruelty crimes are especially disturbing because they target the most vulnerable,” Ross said. “These offenses are often linked to other forms of violence, including child abuse and domestic violence.”

According to supporters of the legislation, animal cruelty cases have increased across New York since the COVID-19 pandemic. SPCAs cite rising living costs, behavioral health challenges, and the expiration of eviction protections as contributing factors.

Data from Humane Society International indicates that 85% of individuals arrested for animal cruelty have prior arrests, many involving felony offenses. The organization also reports significant overlap between domestic violence and animal abuse cases.

If enacted into law, the bill would expand investigative capabilities for SPCAs statewide and strengthen coordination between animal welfare agencies and law enforcement officials.