Government

“Here For You Through The New Year” By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

2 years ago

January 1, 2024

As we round-out the holidays and welcome 2024, I recognize that this time of year can be especially difficult for those suffering with mental health issues. I want to take a moment to remind families that help is always available in our Department of Mental Health, including our Children’s Community Assistance, Response, and Engagement Team or Children’s CARE Team for short.

The CARE Team is mobile and consists of a behavioral health worker as well as a family peer advocate who can meet a family at home, school, or elsewhere in the community. The team will work closely with a youth and their family to stabilize the situation, assist with follow-up, make appropriate referrals, and can stay involved with the family for up to eight weeks.

They respond to help any individuals under the age of 21 experiencing non-life-threatening behavioral and/or emotional challenges 7 days a week, including holidays, from noon to 8 p.m.

Best of all this service is FREE and funded through Rockland County’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant with NO COST to local taxpayers.

You can call 845-517-0400 to connect with the CARE Team.

We remind families that in Rockland we also have the Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT), which provides mobile behavioral health services and crisis intervention 24/7, 365 days a year to individuals, families, and agencies in Rockland.

The team will respond to any mental health situation needing immediate intervention. This program is also free of charge to residents thanks to a grant from the New York State Office of Mental Health.

Anyone needing mental health outreach services is encouraged to call the BHRT at 845-517-0400 or toll-free at 1-844-255-BHRT (2478).

Rockland has long been ahead of the curve at tending to our resident’s mental health, and we will continue to create programs that are free to use for our residents and offer a comprehensive response.

There is no shame in utilizing these services and working with these dedicated professionals to navigate any crisis you face.

I urge those who are enduring challenges this year to reach out because this administration is here to help.

This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

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.