Connect with us

Government

Rockland County Law Enforcement Agencies Receive Millions in Long Overdue Funding From Federal Government

Published

on

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed that, following his push calling for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to pay local Hudson Valley law enforcement what they rightfully deserve for working with the feds to help curb illegal drug trafficking in the region, the feds are now set to deliver over $10 million owed to local police departments for their vital contributions, ending years of bureaucratic delays.

Schumer worked relentlessly, not only standing with law enforcement last year to demand action, but personally calling the head of the DEA, and staff worked diligently for months, to cut through red tape so that these long overdue payments could finally be delivered to police departments across the Hudson Valley to provide them the critical support they need to continue to keep our communities safe.

“Hudson Valley police departments from Rockland to Westchester to Putnam worked day in and day out to protect our communities, going above the call of duty to keep the region safe, but were left waiting and wondering – some for almost four years – if they would ever receive from the feds the partnership funding they deserved. I promised them I would not stop fighting until they got the millions they were owed, and today a promise made is a promise kept,” said Senator Schumer. “After years of delays, police departments across the Hudson Valley are now finally getting paid the $10+ million they have rightfully deserved for helping the feds keep our communities safe from drug trafficking. With this federal funding now on the way, these departments will no longer have to worry about strained budget. It was an all-out effort, but I am proud we cut through the red-tape for our local cops and gotten them the compensation they deserve for safeguarding our communities.”

For the Rockland Sheriff’s Office, that means $1.8 million. Orangetown police will get $1.6 million, while Westchester County will get $1.5 million and Yonkers police $1.37 million. Putnam County Sheriff’s Office gets $1.3 million while two Orange County police departments – New Windsor and Woodbury – and get $1.5 million and $1.3 million, according to Steve Lieberman from Lohud.

Government

Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

Published

on

CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

Continue Reading

Government

Flock Cameras in Rockland County: Safety Tool or Privacy Concern?

Published

on

Flock cameras have become an increasingly debated topic across the country, including here in Rockland County.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics as vehicles pass by. Police can use the information to assist with investigations, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with wanted suspects, helping find missing people and developing leads following crimes.

One of the cameras pictured is located outside The Shops at Nanuet in Clarkstown. A graphic from the website DeFlock also shows reported camera locations throughout the area.

Supporters say the technology can give police an important investigative tool and help solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the collection of information about where people drive, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.

The debate ultimately comes down to a question of public safety versus privacy.

What do you think? Are Flock cameras a valuable tool for law enforcement, or are they an intrusion on your privacy?

Continue Reading

Trending