MID-HUDSON – It has been one week since Hamas leveled a major terrorist attack on Israel, killing and capturing innocent civilians.
In the ensuing week, area law enforcement agencies have been beefing up security around Jewish houses of worship as a precautionary measure.
State, county and local authorities have increased patrols and taken other measures.
In the Village of Wappingers Falls, Police Commissioner Paul Italiano said the police department is taking appropriate action. “Our Detective Division is in continuous communication with the New York City Police Department Intelligence Division, as well as all other relative intelligence sources,” he said. “We receive law enforcement sensitive updates on a continual basis. Our Patrol Division has been conducting directed patrols of all houses of worship, schools and other sensitive locations within and surrounding the village.”
Italiano also said the village police department has members assigned to a Dutchess County Mobile Response Team. “We want our residents, commuters and business owners to know that in addition to our normal law enforcement duties we are taking all measures to keep our general public and children safe,” he said.
Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann said there are no specific threats reported to the town at this time, but in an abundance of caution, the town police department “will be operating on a heightened security protocol.”
He said the department’s Cultural and Religious Security Unit “will be fully activated to ensure the safety of numerous religious and cultural institutions across the town.”
Police Chief Jeff Wanamaker reminded everyone to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious to their local police.
Governor Kathy Hochul said public colleges and universities around the state will offer increased law enforcement presence and additional resources for students attending campus Shabbat services. “My top priority is public safety, and I’m…
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