Saugerties Police 2020 Year End Report

PANDEMIC - COVID19
SAUGERTIES POLICE DEPARTMENT

2020-YEAR END REPORT
“Dedicated to the Community”
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Sir Robert Peel’s Nine Principles of Policing
PRINCIPLE 1 “The basic mission for which the police exist is to prevent crime and disorder.”
PRINCIPLE 2 “The ability of the police to perform their duties is dependent upon public approval of police actions.”
PRINCIPLE 3 “Police must secure the willing cooperation of the public in voluntary observance of the law to be able
to secure and maintain the respect of the public.”
PRINCIPLE 4 “The degree of cooperation of the public that can be secured diminishes proportionately to the
necessity of the use of physical force.”
PRINCIPLE 5 “Police seek and preserve public favor not by catering to the public opinion but by constantly demonstrating absolute
impartial service to the law.”
PRINCIPLE 6 “Police use physical force to the extent necessary to secure observance of the law or to restore order only when the
exercise of persuasion, advice and warning is found to be insufficient.”
PRINCIPLE 7 “Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police
are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties
which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.”
PRINCIPLE 8 “Police should always direct their action strictly towards their functions and never appear to usurp the powers of the
judiciary.”
PRINCIPLE 9 “The test of police efficiency is the absence of crime and disorder, not the visible evidence of police action in dealing with
it.”
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I am pleased to submit to our community the 2020 Year-End Report. An
unprecedented year for all of us! I want to thank all the men & women of
the Saugerties Police Department and their families for their daily
sacrifices, especially with the pandemic, in making our community in the
Town and Village of Saugerties a safer place to live, visit and work. I want
to thank Mayor William Murphy, and Town Supervisor Fred Costello, our
Village Trustees and Town Board members for their continued support and
confidence in the Saugerties Police Department. We are blessed by your
support and understanding of the importance of a criminal justice presence
throughout our community. The Saugerties Police Department strives daily
to improve the quality of Police Services through training and technology.
The department continues to maintain the high standards of the New York
State Accreditation Program. Maintaining this designation only underscored
the commitment of the women and men of the Saugerties Police
Department toward ensuring the community we serve receives the very best
policing has to offer in the 21st century.
I am extending an invitation to all our residents to call upon me or any

member of our staff with comments & concerns on how we can make our community a safer place to live, visit and work. You are also
encouraged to visit The Saugerties Police Department and participate in our ride-along program, providing an opportunity for you to
experience firsthand what the men and women of your police department encounter daily.
As you will see in this report, for the eighth year in a row, we have ended our fiscal year with a positive fund balance. This is important for
our taxpayers. To date we continue to provide enhanced services at a much lower cost per capita than any other agency in Ulster County.
This publication will hopefully enlighten the reader with facts pertinent toward understanding how your tax dollars are spent, in addition to
obtaining a better understanding of the many services we offer every day toward making our community second to none. If you have any
questions relative to the information provided in this publication, please do not hesitate in contacting me - Chief Joseph A. Sinagra
jsinagra@saugertiesny.gov
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Table of Contents 4
Staffing Table 5
Organizational Chart 6
Department Summary 7
Communications Center 15
Patrol Division 16
Detectives & Investigations 17
Mental Hygiene Law (MHL 9.41) 21
Reserve Police Officer Program 22
School Resource Officer Program 23
K9 Division 27
Domestic Violence (Stats / Initiatives) 33
Body Worn Cameras 36
Bicycle Patrol 37
Arrest Demographics 39
FY 2020 Budget Overview and Performance 40
Overdose Report for 2020 - ORACLE Participation 43
Photo Gallery 45
Memory – SPD Chaplain Deacon Arnie Hyland 55
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Chief of Police 1
Police Captain 1
Lieutenants 1
Detective Sergeant 1
Patrol Sergeants (slotted for 6) 5
Officers (Full Time Patrol) 9
School Resource Officer 1
UCFCAC Officer 1
Detectives 3
Administrative Aide 1
Dispatchers (FULL TIME) 3
Officers (PART TIME) 9
Dispatchers (PART TIME) 4
Civilian Crossing Guards (Part Time) 4
Chaplains (Volunteers) 3
Reserve Officers (Volunteers) 6
Clerical (Volunteers) 1
FULL TIME EMPLOYEES 28
PART TIME EMPLOYEES 17
VOLUNTEERS 10
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DEPARTMENT SUMMARY
Chief of Police (1) - Joseph A. Sinagra
The Chief of Police manages the day-to-day operations of the entire Department inclusive of all assigned divisions
within the Police Department. The Chief of Police is responsible for the protection of lives and property in the Town and
Village through the organization and direction of all police functions, including patrol,
investigations and enforcement. The Chief of Police is the Internal Affairs Officer and Liaison to
the District Attorney. The Chief of Police is the Public Relations Officer, Community Events
Planner, and department’s Press Information Officer. The Chief of Police is responsible for the
engineering, implementation, and fiscal austerity of the department’s operational budget. The
Chief of Police is responsible for the security and disposition of all evidence secured / released
by the department. The Chief directly oversees the department’s body worn camera program,
ensuring that the integrity of this program is a constant.
The Chief of Police has an open-door policy and encourages anyone from the public to
meet personally with him to discuss community concerns, ideas in furtherance of his dedication
to community-oriented policing. In 2020 the Chief of Police continued to reach out to all
members of the community, with his monthly presence at both village and town board
meetings (in person and then on-line), a radio show which airs on AM/FM Radio, WGHQ the
first Wednesday of each month beginning at 07:00am, “From The Chief’s Desk” which aired in
previous year’s was suspended as a result of the pandemic; plans are for this shows return in
2021 on Lighthouse TV 23.
The Chief of Police believes transparency is the best practice of keeping the community informed and up to date on
department issues and policing methodologies. As the Chief is always saying, “come on up for a cup of coffee and we can
work together toward making your police department the best it can be at meeting our community’s expectations.”
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Police Captain (1) Stephen W. Filak Sr.
The Captain’s position is an important administrative position involving responsibility for coordinating the logistics of
several special operations and activities and supervising the daily routine of the police department. The work is carried out
in accordance with modern law enforcement practices and the general instructions of the Police
Chief. Primarily responsible for the oversight of the Patrol Division.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Police Chief with wide latitude
permitted for the exercise of independent judgement. Captain exercises supervision over the
Police Lieutenant, Police Sergeants and Police Officers. Issues general, and specific working
orders to members of the department, plans police staffing patterns and equipment needs for
known or anticipated future operations; Conducts internal investigations of police misconduct in
response to citizen complaints, or on the basis of personal observations; Issues standby alert
orders and call back of off duty personnel when an emergency situation arises; Assigns
personnel to platoons; Acts as liaison with local, state and federal police agencies in
cooperative crime control activities; Investigates complaints of police misconduct; Plans and at
times Conducts training sessions for recruits and regular members of the force; Assists in
planning and policy functions and preparing annual budget; Assist the Lieutenant with
coordinating activities involving local, state, federal and other police agency’s joint
investigations; Acts for and on behalf of the Police Chief in his absence; Reviews uniform
division police reports; Handles the scheduling of all uniform officers; Is responsible as the department records officer,
ensuring all FOIL requests and subpoena’s for records are properly answered and provided. Captain is also the Fleet
supervisor, ensuring that all police vehicles are properly maintained, evaluating and scheduling all repairs and routine
maintenance. The captain is further responsible for drafting the annual fleet maintenance budget in addition to ensuring all
expenses and repairs throughout the year are justified.
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Police Lieutenant (1) - KJ Swart
Police Lieutenant supervises all personnel engaged in patrol and detective activities.
Primary oversight of the Detective Division and Special Operations, makes assignments and
communicates orders, policies, procedures and other administrative directives to subordinate
personnel; inspects field operations; As training Officer, advises first line superiors in training
methods and procedures; Develops improved methods and procedures relative to assigned
functions; evaluates department training needs yearly, developing curriculum for needed
classes, schedules all requested DCJS classes; assists the Captain and the Chief of Police in
the formulation of policies, plans and programs; coordinates activities with other departmental
units and other local, regional and state agencies. Assists in preparation of annual department
budget proposal; is responsible for recommending all purchases, equipment replacement, and review of overtime
associated with shift or unit operations. The Lieutenant also confers with the Captain and Chief of Police to improve the
Department’s efficiency. Lieutenant oversees all major investigations conducted by the Detective Division (In the absence
of the Captain, the Lieutenant is second in command assuming all the responsibilities of the Captain’s position) The
Lieutenant is also responsible for maintaining department training records; oversees the agency records management
system, directly involved in the creation of new modules and forms, working directly with the RMS vendor. The Lieutenant
is also responsible for ensuring the integrity of the department’s evidence. This requires constant audits and inspections
of all evidence on a quarterly and yearly basis. The Lieutenant is also a certified NYS Arson Investigator and is assigned
to the Ulster County Arson Task Force. Lieutenant Swart responds to and investigates all fires in the Town and Village of
Saugerties that are suspicious in nature.
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Police Sergeant (5) / Detective Sergeant (1)
Observes, supervises, and instructs subordinate officers; responds to in-progress and major incidents and directs
or assists subordinates in difficult and unusual situations. Supervises and participates in general patrol, scheduling, traffic
operations, and investigations or special duties. Recommends training programs and develops subordinate personnel;
conducts periodic inspections of subordinates, and police vehicles and equipment; maintains disciplinary control of
subordinates. Participate in presenting before citizen and community groups to explain and demonstrate Police
Department policies, procedures and methods in order to cultivate favorable public relations. Each sergeant is also
assigned a multitude of supervisor responsibilities related to the day-to-day operations of the department, to include
everything from vehicle maintenance, building and grounds maintenance, through ensuring radar units and breathalyzer
equipment are calibrated an in working condition at all times.
The Detective sergeant is directly responsible for the daily operations of the detective division, overseeing
three case detectives, the school resource officer, and all cases involving juveniles. The Detective Sergeant is directly
responsible for overseeing the department’s Sex Offender Registry, which includes constant monitoring of those
individuals who have been arrested, charged (with a sex crime), prosecuted and ultimately released back into our
community. This program involves employment and residential spot checks; community notification anytime an offender
moves into Saugerties, or throughout the municipality. The Detective Sergeant delegates assignments, which includes
case investigation, background checks, assignment of staff members to other agencies or task force when assistance is
requested. The Detective Sergeant reviews all case reports generated by the detectives and provides guidance
throughout investigations, ensuring that evidence is properly collected, secured and all reports generated are consistent
with successful prosecution of the offenders. Detective Sergeant assists in the quarterly and annual audits of the main
evidence vault, impound facility and outside storage container.
Police Officers Full Time (9) Part Time (9)

Patrols a designated area in a radio-equipped patrol car, or assigned to walk a post (Village) to preserve law and
order, prevent and discover the commission of crime, enforce motor vehicle operation, parking and traffic regulations,
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State statutes, County, Village and Town ordinances; answers calls and complaints involving automobile accidents, fires,
nuisances, assaults, robberies and other felonies and misdemeanors; administers first aid; makes arrests and transports
prisoners to jail; testifies as a witness in court; completes written reports on assigned calls for service, establishes traffic
control and police protection at fires and other incidents which may attract crowds; performs police duties at parades,
demonstrations and sporting events; check and reports on deficient streetlights, signs, road services, or other facilities
which serve the public, demonstrates good judgment during routine and non-routine situations, acts in accordance with
department policies and procedures, and utilizes techniques in a safe manner in accordance with training. All officers are
considered community engagement officers, developing report with the public.
Administrative Aide (1) Mary Monaco
Provides administrative and secretarial support to the Chief of Police, is responsible for the administrative work
which includes billing for services rendered and contract services, works closely with Chief of
Police in vetting the department’s budget and expenditures, is responsible for ensuring all
orders are concluded and purchase orders are complete, responsible for general ledger
balancing for Capital Projects; balances subsidiary ledgers including accounts receivable,
assessment reports and reconciles ledgers by making adjusting entries as necessary, maintains
disbursement accounts, including encumbering of purchases, auditing of invoices, posting,
reconciling and preparing trial balances and other necessary reports, including control accounts
and informs Chief of Police of budget balances, examines invoices and audit reports to
determine their accuracy, and completeness, composes and types correspondences, reports,
statements, manuscripts, letters, resolutions, proposals, forms and other department materials
at the direction of the Chief of Police, prepares employee timesheets for appropriate
supervisor's verification and checks verification for final entry into payroll system;
updates personnel changes in payroll/personnel system, receives and records employee
requests for vacation, compensatory and sick leave, reviews computer for accrual records;
enters all payroll information and additionally must keep some independent manual records,
processes employee attendance and leave records to compute payroll, sending to Budget &
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Finance Department; maintains and prints records of earnings and leave time. The Administrative Aide is also the liaison
to the County Civil Service Department, responsible for maintaining all personnel files in the department.
VIP (Volunteer in Policing) Reserve Officers (6)
A non-compensated person; who has met all NYS certification requirements as prescribed under NYS DCJS
Municipal Police Officer Training Council possessing the same law enforcement power of arrest as any other police
officer, as prescribed under the pertinent sections of 1.20 of the NYS CPL and has successfully completed the
department's Field Training Officer Program; and has been appointed by the Chief of Police and the Town Board to
perform law enforcement duties. Reserve officers will be responsible for performing the same uniform patrol duties as all
other police officers in the department. Reserve officers work in the company of a full-time compensated police officer.
This program was first rolled out in July 2013 and has proven to be a very successful endeavor and a tremendous asset
to the police department.
Chaplains Program (3) (Volunteer in Policing)
The purpose of the Police Chaplain program is to provide confidential counseling or spiritual guidance to the
members of the Saugerties Police Department, both sworn and civilian, as well as their families during their times of need.
The Police Chaplain will be entrusted to provide guidance, counseling and comfort during a variety of situations and be
able to enlist the availability of appropriate services if such a need is realized; assisting in notifications and grieving
counseling.
Detectives (3)
Detectives are responsible for handling a multitude of criminal investigations, including: Homicide, Sexual Assault,
Robbery, Burglary, Economic Crimes, Unattended Deaths, and Thefts among others. The Detective Division has the sole
responsibility for identifying and tracking Sexual Predators and Sexual Offenders. Crimes related to sensitive
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investigations and Narcotics also fall under their purview. Detectives work in conjunction with Federal, State and Local
task forces to foster a combined effort in the fight against drugs. Detectives must also photograph and video tape major
crime scenes using video cameras, and digital camera imagery; develops and prepares photographic enlargements for
latent prints, shoe impressions, etc. Collects, packages, transports and submits evidence within prescribed standard
operating procedures; transports evidence to appropriate crime labs – New York State Police Crime Lab, or the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, for scientific laboratory analysis; ensures that the necessary forms are prepared and processed.
Attends and documents autopsies via photography/videotape; collects and packages evidence such as hairs, fibers,
clothing, finger and palm prints, fingernails, and body fluids from decedent at autopsy to be placed into evidence.
Produces crime scene drawings and sketches manually to record location of all evidence; utilizes computer software
program for final drawing of crime scene. Prepares exhibits for case prosecution including photographs, crime scene
diagrams, casts of impressions, etc.
Dispatchers Full Time (3) Part Time (4)
The ability to operate several computer systems consisting of police records, give information to the officer
responding to a complaint, keep complete logs on various arrests, teletype entries and cancellations, the ability to operate
a computer terminal connected to the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle, FBI, and the National Crime Information Center;
process requests from officers regarding driver’s license checks, vehicle registration checks, criminal histories, various
stolen and recovered items, warrant checks and broadcasts. The ability to operate a radio system to receive and transmit
messages, dispatches emergency requests received through telephones; handle requests for service by telephone.
Clerical VIP (1) (Volunteer in Policing)
Non-compensated person who assist in the daily operation of the department assigned to the communication center
performing task such as filing, purging sealed arrest records and aiding administration in photo copying and retrieving
case information to complete FOIL request. This program was rolled out in June 2013 and is still in the developing stages.
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School Crossing Guards (4)
The police department is tasked with the responsibility of providing school crossing guards for the purpose of
providing a safe environment for children to cross roadways and intersections at particular locations within the Village
and Town of Saugerties. General Municipal Law § 208-a authorizes cities, villages, towns, and county and district police
departments to provide for school crossing guards to control vehicular traffic in order to protect children going to and from
school. Because schools do not have any power to designate, authorize or appoint school crossing guards, the New York
State Office of the State Comptroller has opined that "[a] school district may neither employ school crossing guards nor
contribute to the expense borne by a [municipality] which employs them." See Opens St Comp, 1981 No. 81-31; see also
1959 N.Y. Op. Atty. Gen. No. 228. We currently employee three civilian crossing guards assigned to schools in the Town
and two part time police officers assigned to the Village.
College Intern Program
The Saugerties Police Department enjoys a unique relationship with several colleges and universities through a
college intern program that was established in 2012. Through this program college students concentrating in the area of
criminal justice is provided the opportunity to spend a semester at the police department working as an intern. This
program provides the student with an overview of all aspects of modern-day law enforcement methodologies. Students
work alongside police officers and detectives, attend autopsies, firearms training, K9 patrol, RMP and records
management data entry and retrieval. Some students may spend an entire semester working on just one particular
project. These students earn three credits for the semester and have proven themselves to be true assets to the mission
of the Saugerties Police Department and our community. To date, students from Albany University, Ulster County
Community College, Mount St. Mary’s College, Marist College, Keuka College, SUNY Canton and the University of
Bridgeport have completed Internships through this unique program
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Police Communications Center
Dispatcher William Truax

Dispatcher Kathy Seyfarth
The Police Communication Center is staffed by

three full-time and four part-time communication specialists. In addition to dispatching calls
for service, the communication specialists are the initial point of contact at our 24-hour
service window. They are also responsible for the majority of our data entry, receiving and
directing administrative telephone calls. Saugerties Police Dispatchers are also the primary
Senior Dispatcher Vera White after hours answering point for all other departments in the Town and Village of Saugerties.
In 2020 the Saugerties Police Communication Center received 40,935 in-coming phone
calls, of which 16,491 were Emergency calls requiring police response. Saugerties police officers responded to 2,834 calls
dispatched through the Ulster County 911 center. In 2020 Saugerties Police responded to a total of 5,646 calls for service in the
Village of Saugerties and 10,845 calls for service in the Town of Saugerties. Police officers also responded 463 times for intrusion
alarms at 201 different locations throughout the Town and Village.
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PATROL DIVISION
“The Test of Police Efficiency is the ABSENCE of Crime and Disorder, Not the Visible Evidence of Police Action
Dealing with it” - Sir Robert Peel
SAUGERTIES POLICE 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Blotter Complaints 25,620 23,603 21,973 24,597 20,678 18,991
Units Dispatched 21,435 19,461 16,766 18,149 16,378 16,491
ARREST
Total Dept. Arrest 583 410 539 515 477 429
Felony 48 43 52 80 48 64
Misdemeanor 266 176 224 189 214 158
Violation 269 191 276 255 215 207
V&TS
Traffic Tickets 2389 1489 1,857 1,984 1,786 957
Parking Tickets 1647 1118 1,451 1,594 1,724 1228
Warning Tickets 810 767 682 1,310 891 958
CRASHES
Total Crashes 751 603 638 634 606 556
Reportable to MV 519 453 533 468 426 397
Personal Injury 81 109 78 78 121 95
Property Damage 664 486 553 555 477 455
Fatal Crashes 1 2 3 0 1 4
Pedestrians Struck 5 6 4 1 7 3
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DETECTIVE DISVION
Investigations – is comprised of the Detective Division which is

responsible for handling a multitude of criminal investigations, including:
Homicides, Sexual Assaults, Robberies, Burglaries, Economic Crimes,
Identity Theft, Computer Crimes, Unattended Deaths, and Felony Level
Larcenies, all considered major crimes. The Detective Division has the sole
responsibility for identifying and tracking Sexual Predators and Sexual
Offenders. Crimes related to sensitive investigations and Narcotics also fall
under their purview. Detectives work in conjunction with Federal, State and
Local task forces to foster a combined effort in the fight against drugs and
other societal criminal acts. The Detective Division consisting of a Detective
Sergeant and three case Detectives were responsible for handling 336 cases
in 2020, down 22.5% from the previous year when total cases handled by the
division totaled 434. In all, the division successfully investigated and closed
264 cases. The remaining cases are still under investigation.
In 2020, the pandemic impacted every facet of our agency including the type
of crimes being investigated and their frequency of occurrence. Total number of cases handled by the Detective Division
in comparison to 2019 included: [64] burglary investigations- increased of 72%; [21] larceny investigations- decrease of
21%; [50] death investigations- increased by 35%; [18] sex crime investigations- decreased by 10%, [4 ] arson/suspicious
fire investigations – decrease by 22%, [8] narcotics investigations- decrease of 55%, [4] assault investigations- decrease
of 66%, [4] robbery investigations- increase by 400% and [4] fatal motor vehicle crashes- increase of 300% and [1]
Murder- increased by 100%.
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Detective Cases Town and Detective Cases Town and

Village Totals 2019 Village Totals 2020
TOWN
39% 33% TOWN
Town VILLAGE
VILLAGE 61% 67%
Village
In 2020 Detectives opened 226 investigations in the Town and 110 in the Village
DETECTIVE STATS
PART I CRIMES 2019 2020
Assaults 12 4
YEAR CASES ARREST OPEN
Burglary 37 64
2016 345 32 65
Felony Larceny 29 21
2017 346 54 47
2018 382 59 56 Fatal MVA 1 4
2019 434 62 40 Robbery 0 4
2020 336 27 72 Sex Offenses 20 18
Murder 0 1
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Notable Detective Cases In 2020

Residential Burglaries (CA-00158-20, CA-00162-20, CA-00163-20, CA-00174-20, CA-00194-20)
Lead Investigators: Detective Erik Thiele, Detective Patrick Hastings, and Detective Henry Mirabella.
In February of 2020, the Detective Division adopted multiple residential burglaries investigations in the areas of East
Bridge Street, West Bridge Street and Underwood Street in the Village of Saugerties. The investigation led to the recovery
of the stolen property and on October 30, 2020, Joshua A. Bell age 27 and Dusty M. Gilbert Jr age 27 were arrested and
charged with the burglaries.
Homicide (CA-00366-20)
Lead Investigator: Detective Erik Thiele
On 3/29/2020, members of the Saugerties Police Department responded

to a residence on Old Kings Highway where patrol units located a
deceased male who had sustained multiple stab wounds. Members of the
Detective Division investigated the male’s death establishing that the
male was killed by his estranged wife, who subsequently committed
suicide.
Photo - In 2020 the detective division to delivery of an AirScience

Safekeeper forensic evidence drying cabinet. The forensic evidence
drying cabinet is designed to store, dry or otherwise process forensic
evidence in the controlled environment of a tamper resistant compartment to maintain the chain of custody.
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Manslaughter/ Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident (CA-00470-20)
On 4/22/2020, the Detective Division investigated a fatal motor vehicle on Route

9W in the Barclay Heights area. The investigation showed that the operator, Daniel
Kellogg age 22, had been operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and struck a
utility pole, causing the death of his passenger. Daniel Kellogg was charged with
the felony of manslaughter 2nd.
Sexual Assault (CA-00977-20)
On 8/16/2020, the Detective Division investigated the sexual assault of a 66-year-

old female at the Wenton Motel. The investigation showed that multiple residents of
the Wenton Motel had come to the victim’s aid after hearing her screams for help.
The victim had been forcibly sexually assaulted Austin T. Hollister age 21, was
arrested and charged with rape 1st and strangulation 2nd.
Photo – Standing - Lieutenant KJ Swart, Detective/Sgt. Paul Gambino; Detective Pat

Hastings and Detective Erik Thiele are seen working at their desk.
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9.41 Mental Hygiene Law & 22.09
In the past eight years, we have experienced a steady increase in the number of individuals experiencing mental health and substance
abuse related issues within our community. This is not just unique to Saugerties but is a growing area of concern throughout our
Nation. Mental Hygiene Law (MHL §941) Peace or Police officers may take custody and transport to a §9.39 hospital
or C.P.E.P. “any person who appears to be mentally ill and is conducting himself or herself in a manner which is likely to result in
serious harm to the person or others. (MHL 22.09). A person who appears to be incapacitated by alcohol and/or substances to the
degree that there is a likelihood to result in harm to the person or to others may be taken into custody by a peace office, or a police
officer to a treatment facility for purposes of receiving emergency services. Since 2013 it has been and continues to be the policy of
the Saugerties Police Department to transport all individuals being detained under 9.41 or 22.09 of the NYSMHL, that present with no
acute medical emergency that would otherwise require EMT/Paramedic intervention. This policy is twofold in nature (1) ensuring
that paramedic ambulances (DIAZ) is available to handle genuine medical emergencies, preventing ambulance from being
unnecessarily tied up and out of service (2) prevent the attack and assault on paramedics/EMS workers by those individuals who are
suffering from mental illness or under the influence and are prone to violence when experiencing a manic episode. In 2020 there were
a total of 180 calls for individuals who were either a danger to themselves, or others, as defined in the pertinent section of the NYS
Mental Hygiene Law (MHL 9.41) or were considered incapacitated and taken into custody for transport to the hospital under (MHL
22.09 A4C). Out of the 180 calls, 43 required medical intervention and thus were transported by ambulance, the remaining 137 were
transported by police. Between 2013 and 2020 we have experienced a 122% increase in dealing with those suffering from some form
of mental illness. Transports by police during this same time has increased by 185%.
YEAR 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
INDIVIDUALS EXPERIEINCING A MENTAL

HEALTH CRISES 81 95 102 117 148 153 161
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INDIVIDUALS TRANSPORTED BY POLICE 48 71 85 92 100 118 122 137
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Photo- VIP officers Joe Comito, Erik
Lilland and Amber Kolzt Training on the
agency’s records management system
Volunteers In Policing – Volunteers are an important part of any organization

and are proven to be a valuable asset to law enforcement agencies.
Volunteers help to increase police responsiveness, service delivery, and
information input, and they provide new program opportunities. In addition,
volunteers can bring new skills and expertise to the job and promote
invigorated enthusiasm. It is the policy of the Saugerties Police Department to
use qualified volunteers for specified tasks and duties that can create
efficiencies for the department and improve services to the community.
Volunteers are intended to supplement and support, rather than supplant,
sworn officers and civilian personnel.
The Saugerties Police Reserve Police Officer Program is an essential part of the Volunteers in Police Service Program we
have embraced here in Saugerties. Our program began in April 2013 and since has grown greater than we had
anticipated. Reserve police officers are fully sworn police academy graduates who work alongside full-time police officers.
Since the conception of this program 27 civilian have become sworn police officers through our program. Upon completion
of their 320 hours of field training many of the reserve officers have been hired as part time officers and several have
been hired as full time Police Officers continuing to serve the residents of our community. .
Today our program consists of three volunteer police officers, one civilian volunteer who plays an essential part in our
IPVI program, and three chaplains.
VIPs - Volunteered a Total of 2,161.75 hours to the police department in 2020.

Salary cost savings = $49,706.78
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SRO TRAVIS WINCHELL
School Resource Officer – the School Resource Officer provides security, safety
and academic curriculum to the faculty and students of the Saugerties School District. The
SRO also provides drug awareness education on an annual basis to the elementary, middle
and high school students throughout the district.
The Saugerties Police Department is fortunate to have three certified School Resource
Officers. We are even more fortunate to have SRO Travis Winchell whom is assigned to the Junior/
Senior High School on a full-time basis. The other two SROs fill in at the school when Officer
Winchell is out. SRO Winchell is more than just a resource for the School and students. SRO
Winchell has become a true champion of the SRO program, being a mentor, teacher, friend,
advocate and so much more to the students and faculty in the Saugerties School District.
As you will see in these photos, SRO Winchell has immersed himself in every aspect of the student body, ensuring that
the students attending school in our district have every opportunity available to succeed. In 2020 SRO spent countless hours
preparing students who were academically in jeopardy of failing, tutoring them, ensuring that these students who otherwise
would have failed the school year, successfully passed their finals enabling them to graduate with their classmates. SRO
Winchell has spent his own time and toward ensuring that the students he has contact with on a daily basis, have positive
memories of the time they spent in high school, especially during these most unprecedented times in our history.
SRO NEWSLETTER
This year was definitely one for the books! The 2019-2020 school year started off decent and then suddenly took an
unexpected turn that no one saw coming. In September of 2020 we started the school year off with our evacuation drills, fire
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drills and lock down drills this includes, the High School as well as the Elementary School’s. All of the drills went as expected and
without any problems.
In January there was a lock down drill conducted at Cahill Elementary, a couple of basketball games and this member was
invited to chaperone the New York City trip on January 24, 2020. February included a lock down drill of the Saugerties Jr./Sr.
High School, an arrest of a male subject that had a quantity of marijuana in his gym locker and a medical of a staff member who
was transported to the hospital for anxiety. March is where things started to get interesting. On March 16th Governor Cuomo
made an executive decision that all schools throughout New York State will be closed for two weeks. Two weeks goes by and
school is remaining closed until further notice. COVID-19 had taken the Nation over, no one knew what it was, how to handle it,
how to control it, nor how to beat it. It was taking over people’s lives, businesses and schools. The school district decided to
use its two weeks of spring break and other days before planning for students to go virtual. This was a very interesting time as
the school has never experienced anything like this.
For many weeks I and other staff members handed out chrome books to students and families who needed them to
participate in education. There were many days and evening that this was done from the end of March into April. Other
educational materials such as books and packets were handed out as well. There were a lot of students struggling especially
seniors who were expected to graduate. I had initiated a program where senior students would come in and work with me from
April to June right up to the date of graduation on June 26th. I was given permission from the school to bring in students, I had
on any day between 10 and twelve students. In this program students were able to come in go on their meets, get extra help, be
in a structured environment and have some sense of normalization during this terrible time. Students were able to see faculty
and their teacher’s faces in person. This program allowed twelve seniors to graduate as they were able to pass all their classes
by being able to come in and focus and not be distracted by the outside world of video games and work during the last moments
of their high school careers.
For seniors, they missed out on all their activities. Prom, senior trip to Disney, sporting events, senior breakfast, senior
picnic and most importantly a real graduation. This year this member was asked to be a part of the graduation committee. For
many weeks our group had to figure out the best and safest way to have a graduation for these very deserving students. This
year it went off without any problems and it may be a new way for years to come. Students and their families were to meet over
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at Cantine Filed in their vehicles and then proceed in an orderly fashion over to the high school where the
vehicles were parked in a fashion to do a drive-thru ceremony. It was a perfect night for it, the months of
planning really did pay off. After graduation a parade was held through the village and again back to Cantine
where student could say their final goodbyes. I also participated in the four elementary school graduations.
They were done by drive up as well. It was a very unique situation however; it was special for the children
as their names were announced and they were in the spotlight while receiving their diplomas and special
awards.
This year brought a lot of challenges in the community as well. A teacher

reached out to other staff and faculty advising five of her ELL students and families
were in desperate need of essential everyday items and food. I went to the Dollar
General and bought items such as paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent,
fabric softener, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, grooming kits and many
other items. Each family got one of each item and they were delivered to their homes in big bags. Other
faculty members and I also bought food and delivered groceries to the families as well. I also provided
lunch for students working in the program to graduate as well as a senior breakfast to give them some
sense of normalcy. I was asked by the school secretary if my group would like to assist with unloading
grocery items at the Knights of Columbus for their Christmas Baskets, without hesitation they all agreed.
Along with the students we all met at the Knights of Columbus and assisted with unloading the flatbed
truck full of food for their food baskets.
Following graduation, a lot of the summer was spent on handing back and delivering locker contents to the students as
well as collecting chrome books. I worked with school administration to develop and construct a reopening plan for the
upcoming school year. I was also tasked with implementing a parking and safety plan for drop off and pick up of students. With
permission from the Chief of Police, I called Greg Charvos from parks and recreation requesting the use of their barricades and
cones, he agreed with no problems. I, Greg and a couple of his teammates came over to the school and set up the barricades,
which allowed for an easy way one way in one way out technique which was important for the safety of the staff and
25
children during this time of Cohort A and B status. This parking plan worked very well there were no problems with drop off or
pickup.
September started a new and yet again unusual school year. My mentoring students were able to come in a couple of
weeks prior to school opening. Upon entering the school students and faculty had to wear a mask and get their temperatures
taken. School is on a hybrid model now with cohort A, B and Cohort C. Cohort C are the students in the mentoring group that
need to come to school every day for them to stay focused and on track towards graduation. As school reopened, it went off
without any problems. There are no use of lockers and many students do not use backpacks. Larceny’s are at an all-time low
this year as students do not leave items laying around and not being able to have the use of locker rooms. The school days are
very quiet as even seating in the cafeteria is all individual this year.
The good news is that these efforts have proven successful as the school has maintained low Covid-19 numbers. We all
as a group have worked very hard here to keep the school clean and safe for the students and faculty. Not much has happened
from September through December. The district had to close for a week due to a water main break, not from “Covid-19.” The
numbers for Covid-19 did start to rise and some staff members did get uneasy about it. The superintendent decided to make the
decision to close school and pivot from hybrid to full remote in the beginning of December until the expected day of reopening on
January 19, 2021. This was a disruption in the progress to the student’s education. I again, asked for permission to work with
the students over at the Saugerties Senior Center, which was granted (COVID safety procedures were put in place). I and about
twelve students worked out of the senior center for approximately three weeks until permission was given to come back and
work at the high school, students were able to come back on January 8, 2021.
This past school year came with only one arrest, involving an adolescent offender for possessing and keeping marihuana
in a school gym locker.
- Officer Travis Winchell SRO
26
SAUGERTIES POLICE K9
DIVISION
CALLS FOR SERVICE
2020 was a challenging year for the K9 division as it was for
the rest of the agency. Trainings were significantly disrupted,
and certifications dates were extended by the Division of Criminal
Justice. The yearly seminars and continuing education did not
happen as planned. The K9 division did manage to complete the
goal of a newer vehicle for K9 Romulus and it is currently in
service. Due to the lack of events, like the garlic festival, many of
our normal proactive site security efforts were not needed. Both K9’s did provide site security for the political
demonstrations that occurred in the Town of Saugerties. The remainder of our 15,000-dollar Department of Homeland
Security (DHSES) grant that was awarded in 2018 was spent out in 2020 by the award ending date. The remining funds
were for overtime costs reimbursements related to training and aa new training aid organizer for the explosive detection
unit. We completed a new Grant submission in 2020 for the continuation of our program throughout 2021-2022.
Throughout the year our canine teams answer calls for service as any regular patrol officer would. The only difference is
the added benefit of deploying their K9 partner when necessary. Each handler uses their partner proactively, performing
routine duties, such as building and residential security checks, in addition to conducting narcotic searches and explosive
detection duties. Within the Saugerties jurisdiction, there are a number of possible targets for criminal activity including
multiple places of worship, businesses, military installation and other critical infrastructure like the Central Hudson Electric
substation and Verizon communications In 2020 the Canine Unit handled a total of 613 calls for service, an increase of
47% from 2019.
27
Type of Activity MAX ROMULUS

Tracking 7 5
Building Searches 273 305
Narcotic Searches N/A 13
Explosive Searches 6 N/A
Site Security Details 2 2
Warrant Assist 0 8
Patrol Assist 2 6
Area Searches 0 2
Sgt. J. Rushkoski K9 Supervisor
K9 Handler Jen Gambino
CALLS FOR SERVICE

Throughout the year the canine teams answer calls for service as a regular patrol officer does with the added benefit of
being to use their K9 partner whenever possible. They use their partners as proactively as possible and perform both
routine and random security checks at different possible criminal targets.
Within the Saugerties jurisdiction there are several possible targets for criminal activity including multiple places of
worship, businesses and other critical infrastructure like the Central Hudson Electric substation.
28
During 2020 the Canine Unit handled a total of 631calls for service. This is an increase of 227 calls over 2019 which is
attributed to Officer Gambino and K9 Romulus having graduated from school last year and being in-service the entirety of
2020. Please see below for a specific breakdown of the types of calls handled.
NOTABLE CASES
K9 MAX
On March 1st, 2020 the Canine team responded to assist the City of Kingston Police with a burglary. The suspect fled
the scene, and K9 Max started a track. The suspect was pushed to permitted units where he was apprehended. The
team continued the track to ensure that no property was discarded along the way.
On May 5th, 2020 A man passing through Saugerties got highly intoxicated and trespassed on another’s property. When
the man asked the suspect why he was there the suspect attacked him and choked him. The suspect then fled the scene.
Through community assistance a direction of travel was established. The K9 unit deployed and the subject was tracked
throughout the Barclay Heights Area. The perimeter was eventually secured as more units responded in to assist and the
suspect was apprehended.
29
Summer – Fall 2020
K9 Max in his capacity as Ulster County’s only explosive dog was deployed to the City of Kingston multiple times to assist
them with their incidents of gun violence. K9 Max did multiple searches for weapons and shell casings.
K9 Romulus
On February 2nd, 2020 a suspect was involved in a gang related fight and fired a weapon at officers when they arrived on
scene. Multiple police units were on scene and responding in. Officer Gambino and K9 Romulus did a track for the
suspect in the woods and located a silver pistol along the track. The continued their track to multiple locations were other
witnesses and suspects were located. K9 Romulus was also used to assist patrol in maintaining order and all the
individuals surrendered to police without incident.
On February 14th, 2020 The Saugerties Police Department arrested a man that had been eluding police for over a year.
He had a felony warrant from a domestic violence incident. He had run from police and had been tracked multiple times
by police K9’s. On this date police surrounded the residence and with the assistance of the K9 deterrent the suspect
surrendered without flight.
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Training
Both Canine Teams attend mandatory training on a monthly basis as is required by

Department of Criminal Justice Service and the New York State Police (K9 Max). K9
Romulus is a DCJS certified patrol canine (tracking, article search, apprehension, building
search, partner protection and narcotics detection) Canine Max is certified through both
DCJS and the NYSP as a patrol canine (tracking, article search, apprehension, building
search, partner protection and explosives detection). Canine Max is certified in the
detection of 10 explosive odors. K9 Romulus is a certified in the detection of narcotics
only and does not have training in the detection of marihuana.
Sergeant Rushkoski / K9 MAX
DCJS required maintenance training: 160

State Police required maintenance training: 80
State Police Recertification: No seminar – recertifications
done in the field due to COVID restrictions
Patrolman Culver / K9 Romulus
DCJS Required Maintenance Training: 172
2020 Total Training Hours: 412
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K9 Division Goals for 2020
Due to the Corona Virus pandemic both K9 Officers are behind on DCJS required monthly training hours. DCJS allowed
extensions to certifications so that K9 units around the state did not lose certification. Our goal is to make up the required
hours to stay within compliance.
Another goal is to replace Sergeant Rushkoski and K9 Max’s aging patrol vehicle. The vehicle was originally acquired in
2013 through the initial 50,000-dollar DHSES grant. We have plans to submit another 15,000-dollar explosive
continuation grant to put towards deferring the costs of the new vehicle purchase.
It is also our goal this year to attend a K9 seminar and training to help hone our skills and learn new and different ways to
enhance our K9 partners abilities.
Sergeant Rushkoski will also be submitting application to be certified as a maintenance trainer to solve the issues with
trainings being postponed or canceled due to COVID. The Saugerties Police K9 Unit would then be able to meet monthly
requirements without relying on a large training group.
In 2021 the K9 teams will look to be involved in more interagency integration with the Emergency Response Team. It is
important to maintain readiness with our emergency teams in Ulster County in the event we need to deploy together.
32
INTIMATE PARTNER
VIOLENCE
INTERVENTON PROGRAM
Domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse or relationship abuse) is a pattern of
behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. Domestic
violence does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim – or
perpetrator – of domestic violence. It can happen to people who are married, living together or who are dating. It affects
people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.
Early on in 2019 we began looking hard at our domestic violence numbers. Between 2011 and 2015, we experienced a
steady increase from year to year in domestic violence calls. In fact, calls related to domestic violence increased 230%, (84
to 278). It was in 2015 that we realized for the first time, that there was a real problem in our community that we needed to
address. In October of 2015, we introduced our first purple and white police cruiser, in recognition of Domestic Violence
Awareness. This was the beginning of our initiative in addressing this very serious issue of domestic violence. In addition
to the purple and white police car, which is now a permanent fixture in our fleet, we also embarked on several educational
programs. One such program involved a teen dating and domestic violence awareness campaign in both the Saugerties
Junior High and the High School. Students compete each year against one another and other schools in Ulster County,
developing their own Public Service Announcements through their school’s media departments.
33
Even with all these efforts to educate our community, we continued to see a steady increase in domestic violence.
Between 2015 and 2018 domestic violence calls increased by 93%. We contributed the increase in these numbers as a
direct result of our public awareness programs. Individuals are now more informed than ever before that domestic
violence is not simply hitting your partner or spouse. Domestic Violence also includes controlling one’s partner through
intimidation, mental abuse and threats of loss of financial stability. Seeing the number of calls related to domestic violence
increase, indicated we were doing a could job of informing our community what domestic violence really is and these
patterns of behavior are not acceptable in a relationship.
In 2020, we once again looked at the Domestic Violence ( DV) numbers and considered what we could possibly do
better in reducing the number of DV incidents. Upon reviewing all of our Domestic Incident Reports (DIRs), for the year
2019, we found a high number of repeated calls for DV involving the same individuals. In an effort to reduce the recidivism
in DV, we embarked on a new program called Intimate Partner Violence Intervention (IPVI). Beginning on April 1, 2019
Saugerties Police Officers responding to calls of DV, were not only taking a report and completing a DIR, officers began
conducting lethality assessments with the victims. The lethality assessment is an evidence-based tool that requires a
response from the victim, to fourteen questions asked by the officer. The officer records the victim’s response to each
question on the assessment tool. Each question requires Yes or No response from the victim. Based on the victims
response to the questions, the tool quickly identifies victim’s who are considered at risk of continued incidents of DV and
the threat of violence. If the victim is considered high danger, the officer while still with the victim, contacts Ulster County
Crime Victims Assistance Program, regardless of time of day. The victim is then placed on the call with the crime victim
advocate. This provides the victim with an immediate resource and begins the process of establishing a support structure
towards enabling the victim to get out of the abusive relationship. Within twenty-four hours of the documented incident, a
police officer meets with the victim, providing the victim with a victim support letter furnished by the police chief. The letter
34
reinforces our commitment to helping the victim while also providing a plethora of resources the victim can gain access to.
The letter is also a reminder to the victim that they don’t have to believe they are stuck in an abusive relationship with no
way out. Through the resources provided the victim can obtain financial support and services for both themselves and
their children.
The IPVI program has thus far proven to be successful. This new program, which began on April 1, 2019 has resulted in
the investigation of 415 reports of domestic violence where lethality assessments were conducted with the victims. The
lethality assessment resulted in 70 victims being identified as high risk IN 2019 and 85 victims at risk in 2020 . All 155
victims were immediately paired up with a crime victim’s advocate in addition to receiving a crime victim’s support letter
from our police agency. As a result of this program it appears form our year-end numbers and review of all the DIRs
completed, that for the second consecutive year, we have experienced less reported incidents of DV, down by 3% from
the previous year. Based on the past two years statistics, these new programs appear to be working as intended.
Number of Reported Domestic Violence Incidents 2010 – 2020
YEAR 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
TOTAL 159 84 41 156 296 278 253 295 301 261 255
Domestic Incidents 2018-2020

40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
2018 2019 2020
35
BODY WORN CAMERAS

In 2016, Saugerties Police launched a pilot program in the use of body worn cameras (BWC) by our officers.
Quickly this project turned from pilot to policy, as the footage captured by these little video recorders, not only
served as useful tools for recording evidence; more importantly, they promoted professionalism, accountability, and
transparency by documenting officer performance and interactions with the public. Two years later, BWC became a
part of our uniform that we don as we do our firearms and handcuffs. However, the difference being this piece of
equipment has no liability attached, but rather concise accounting and accountability of what actually occurred, and
what was said. This documentation has greatly reduced personnel complaints while further providing the evidence
required to secure a quick conviction in all matters. The footage obtained on these cameras worn by officers since
2016 has led to the conviction of two murder suspects without either case going to trial. In 2017 the immediate aftermath of a fatal motor
vehicle accident captured on an officer’s BWC, also led to the conviction in a vehicular homicide case without going to trial. In 2018,
footage captured on an officers BWC led to the conviction of a father and son who were harboring illegal firearms, one being a fully
operational machine gun, without the expense of one hearing or a trial. In 2019 several complaints against personnel were quickly
deemed unfounded upon review of the officer’s BWC footage of the events in question. The use of body worn cameras by our officers in
2020 has continued to provide the documentation necessary for the preservation of evidence and accountability of all our officers.
The money saved by the taxpayer in these cases extends beyond Saugerties, the County and the State, as many cases no longer
require police officer hours spent preparing for and then attending trials, civilians wasting valuable time in jury selection, jurors missing
work as a result of attending a trial, and the county paying fees for prisoner transport, to and from court on a daily basis, and the State
paying court officers, just to mention some of the areas of the criminal justice system and private sector, that realized genuine savings,
simply because BWCs were utilized. We were frugal in our selection for the type of BWC we believed would benefit not only the officer,
but the taxpayer. To date program’s cost amounts to less than $58,000. This includes storage capability, and the fact that at the end of
2020, we purchased 8 more generation III cameras, maintaining 35 cameras in service and three charging stations. The minimal cost
associated with this endeavor is far less than anticipated and has greatly reduced our risk of frivolous litigation as the old adage “he said
she said” scenario has been replaced by “to the video replay.”
36
SAUGERTIES POLICE BICYCLE PATROL
In 2019 the Saugerties Police Department reintroduced bicycle patrols in

the Village of Saugerties. The bicycle patrols had been a part of the Village
Police Department, however when the
Village Police disbanded at the end of
2010, that was the end of the bicycle
patrols. Fortunately, in 2016 the
Saugerties Police Department had hired
an officer who was also a DCJS certified
Police Bicycle Patrol Instructor. In the
Spring of 2019 SPD instructed a Police
Bicycle School here in Saugerties. The
school was attended by police officers
from both SPD and the Woodstock Police Bicycle Instructor Erik Thiele teaching
Police Department. Having police a class of new bicycle officers
officers on bicycles is another example
Bicycle Officer - Dave Stoutenberg
of our commitment to community-oriented policing. Taking cops out of the patrol car
and placing them in a more accessible capacity, furthers agency transparency and
breaks down those barriers between police and community. The result is more face time with community business
members, residents and visitors in our village.
Just like our officers who walk a post, our bicycle cops are also responsible for handling calls for service within their
patrol zone. We continued to expand our program in 2020 with the addition of a fourth bicycle which was purchased by a
Saugerties resident and donated to the police bicycle program. These bicycles are not average street bikes, they are built
specifically for law enforcement use.
37
Lieutenant KJ Swart and Reserve Police Officer Phil

Sinagra (Chief’s twin brother) ready for bike patrol R Rev. James Louis
Saugerties Police Bikes
Seven Reasons why SPD uses Police Bike Patrols Sergeant Sydney Mills, bicycle officer, reviews department
police bike policy with Officer Dion Johnson
1. Bikes are less threatening than patrol vehicles

2. Other bicyclists are more accepting of bike patrol officers
3. Bicycle patrols result in more than twice as many contacts
with the public than vehicle patrols (Menton, 2007)
4. Perpetrators don't notice bike patrols
5. Bike patrols can go where traditional patrol vehicles can't
6. Bicycle officers can use all of their senses to detect illegal
activity
7. Bikes provide environmental and health benefits
38
DEPARTMENT 2020 ARREST DEMOGRAPHICS
(This information is being presented based on recommendations of the Saugerties Police Reform Reinvention Collaborative Committee in response to
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s executive order No. 203 of 2020)
Saugerties Police law enforcement responsibilities encompasses 64.5 square miles in land mass and 3.5 square miles
of water (United States Census Bureau statistics). The north town line borders Greene County, east borders the
Hudson River, south borders Town of Ulster and West borders the Town of Woodstock.
The most recent available US Bureau of Census are from 2010, indicating that there were 19,482 residents in the town
and another 3,971 residents in the village; total population 23,453. There are 9,366 taxable parcels within the Town
and the Village of Saugerties (Saugerties Assessors Office).
. SAUGERTIES POLICE CONDUCTED 429 ARREST IN 2020
Saugerties Population By Race % of Total SPD NOTE

(2010 Census: Census Bureau) Population 2020 ARREST
BLACK AFRICAN AMERICAN 1.70% 2% Arrest are based on 2020
arrest data. Demographic
WHITE 94.20% 92%
analysis of % arrested
NATIVE AMERICAN 1.10% 0
individuals are based on
ASIAN 0.87% 0.23% decade old census
TWO OR MORE RACES 2.10% information.
HISPANIC / LATINO OF ANY RACE 5.00% 4.60%
2010 Census.
TOTAL POPULATION 23,453
39
2020 YEAR END BUDGET OVERVIEW

The Police Department’s FY2020 adopted budget was $2,658,362 - Actual 2020 expenditures amounted to
$2,812,813.17. Revenues captured in 2020 amounted to $252,104.58. This negated over expenditures and resulted in a
year-end fund balance of $97,653.41. This is the eighth year in a row, SPD ended the Fiscal Year with a fund balance!
Our policy of charging for services outside the scope of normal policing and revenue streams has enabled us to generate
these fund balances. In fact, In the past eight years, total revenues generated minus expenditures has amounted to a
total of $503,916.71 returned to the Town’s coffers. This surplus each year goes back to the Town’s General Fund, which
contributes toward increasing and maintaining a positive fund balance in the Town of Saugerties .
(In FY 2020 the total taxpayer cost for 24-hour police services was $380.35 for each taxable parcel or a cost per
day for police services of $1.04. This included Health Benefits, Workmen’s Comp Ins., Retirement and Disability)
TOTAL
YEAR ADOPTED YEAR END TOTAL END BALANCE
REVENUES
2013 $2,115,177.00 $2,248,842.05 $188,159.93 $54,494.88
2014 $2,225,094.00 $2,279,840.18 $173,738.26 $118,992.08
2015 $2,358,458.00 $2,512,821.80 $272,633.11 $118,269.31
2016 $2,356,163.00 $2,472,835.11 $126,933.53 $10,261.42
2017 $2,428,438.00 $2,610,561.27 $212,637.00 $30,513.73
2018 $2,568,939.00 $2,708,630.28 $ 171, 249.98 $31,558.70
2019 $2,608,632.00 $2,785,804.76 $231,557.94 $54,385.18
2020 $2,658,362.00 $2,812,813.17 $252.104.58 $97,653.41
TOTAL $516,162.71
40
Regular
2020 PERSONNEL SERVICES Earnings
$ 1,756,116.09
Overtime
$45,544.27 $96,535.37 Earnings
$ 418,157.22
$52,239.88 Holiday $ 8,204.04
Longevity $ 52,239.88
$8,204.04
Stipend $ 45,544.27
P/T Police
$ 96,535.37
Wages
$418,157.22
Total Personnel Spending =
$2,374,796.87
1,756,116.09
Total Personnel Revenues =
$193,002.75
Revenues are back charges

for services rendered when
police are hired for extra duty
events or special assignments.
41
$10,608 $17,398 $1,200 $2,064 Drug Testing 0.29%

$5,936 Equipment Lease
$1,684 0.50%
$49,853 $411,339 - Non-Personnel Vehicle Fuel 12.12%
Expenses Vehicle Repair & Mainten 11.36%
$35,485
$7,114 Vehicle Leases 18.50%
$14,022 $46,718 Radio/Teletype Cell Phone 7.67%
$3,732
Internet Fees 2.40%
$1,303
Computer Hardware 9.9%
$21,575
Software 2.66%
$4,651
$76,080
Maintenance Contracts 5.33%
$1,575 $21,938
Dues and Publications 0.38%
Training Materials 1.13%
$10,949 $41,026 Detective Division 5.25%
$31,540
Printing 0.32%
$9,887 Office/Flares/Gloves/ 0.91%
Body Armor 3.41%
Drug Testing Equipment Lease Vehicle Fuel Vehicle Repair & Mainten Canine (K9) 1.73%
Vehicle Leases Cell Phones/ Radio Internet Fees Computer Hardware Firearms & Supplies 8.63%
Software Maintenance Contracts Dues and Publications Education / Training Meal Allowance 0.41%
Detective Division Printing Office/Flares/Gloves/ Body Armor Tactical Unit 1.44%
Uniform Maintenance 2.58%
Canine Firearms & Supplies Meal Allowance Tactical Unit
Misc/Tolls/Rentals 4.23%
Uniform Maintenance Misc / Tolls / Rentals
42
ORACLE – OPIOID RESPONSE AS COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT

ORACLE is a rapid response team, sponsored by the UC Sheriff’s Office. The Team consists of law enforcement officers,
peer advocates, mental health professionals and rehabilitation specialists who work together to help those afflicted by
substance abuse and to provide support to families, without judgment or legal consequences.
In 2020 Sheriff Juan Figueroa requested assistance from Ulster County police agencies in consideration of providing
personnel assets to the ORACLE team. Saugerties Police Sergeant Sydney Mills and Officer David Stoutenburgh
requested and were assigned to ORACLE. The first step in our participation in ORACLE was to have both officers attend
orientation training and then to shadow with seasoned ORACLE members in furtherance of developing their skillset. Both
ORACLE team members began active participation in callouts in November 2020.
In just two short months Officer Stoutenburgh and Sergeant Mills have responded to twelve incidents in Saugerties with
the ORACLE team. With the combined efforts from the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and our local team, members were
able to reach out to these individuals suffering from addiction, providing concrete intervention. Not all individuals are
receptive to the program at the time of the incident or their initial interview. The team provides peer support, detox
options, rehabilitation programs as well as assistance in applying for health insurance. With this information it allows the
individual to reach out more effectively when they are ready to accept assistance.
In this short time Ofc. Stoutenburgh and Sgt. Mills have witnessed success enrolling local residents suffering from
addiction, into both detox programs and out of state placement for opioid rehabilitation treatment programs. The response
from our community has been overwhelmingly positive. This program has fostered positive relationships with those in
need and has increased trust in the police by those most effected. There has also been a positive uptick from medical
professionals who support and work closely with ORACLE team members. This endeavor has also fostered relations with
the Ulster County High Risk Mitigation Team and will continue to thrive as we proceed forward into next year.
43
In January 2020, Saugerties Police was certified by the New York State Health Department as a designated Opioid
Prevention Provider, with two police certified instructors in the administration of NARCAN.
2020 OVERDOSE RESPONSES

MONTH OVERDOSES FATAL 8
January 5 6
February 2 4
2
March 4
0
April 6 2
May 2
June 1
July 3 1 OVERDOSES FATAL
August 2
September 6
October 2 1 In 2020 the Saugerties Police Department responded to 39 Overdoses.
November 4
Saugerties Police Officers administered NARCAN ten times, each time reversing the
December 2 1
overdose. Unfortunately, five out of the twenty-eight overdoses we responded to the
individual was already deceased. Addiction is not a crime, nor should it be treated
as such. We believe that intervention for those suffering from addiction is the only
way to eradicate any further deaths from occurring in the future. Police Officers
carrying NARCAN is only one answer to this complex problem. Providing those
suffering from any type of addiction with a map to recovery is the most important
thing we can do, in addition to providing support and hope to all of those suffering
from addiction and to their families.
44
Saugerties Police at scene of stabbing and

shots fired call in West Saugerties
K9 Team assist in apprehension of burglary

suspect in Village of Saugerties
45
Below - UCDA’s office , ADA Elizabeth Culmone-Mills instructs officers in
new changes to the penal law as a result of the “Bail Reforms” that were
introduced in 2020.
Right Top – Sergeant Mills conducts in-service training at monthly

supervisor’s meeting.
Right Bottom – Kassandra Seyfert instructs SPD supervisors in the Intimate

Partner Violence Intervention Program, making SPD the third police agency in
the nation implementing this program.
46
Officer Geoghegan presenting on career day at the

Saugerties Police Crime Scene Unit during Cahill Elementary School
investigation of a man menacing with a shotgun
K9 Officer Gambino walking

post in the village
Supervisors School Held in Saugerties
New Reserve Police Officers at orientation Detectives preparing evidence to be dried for later DNA
training analysis
47
2020 was a year of first ! We started off with what we had always perceived as “normalcy”; Then we were thrown into a Pandemic, followed by National unrest
leading to protest; followed by a complete shutdown of businesses – Getting a haircut after work led to the discovery of some officer’s unique skillsets (Officer
Geoghagen was a hairstylist prior to her law enforcement career – Would have never know that if not for the pandemic)
48
Monthly Supervisors Inservice Scene of Stabbing and Shooting in West Saugerties

Girl Scouts Visiting the Chief’s Office in January
Training – Sgt. Castagnola
Briefing prior to BLM awareness march in

July
Happy Birthday Det. Hastings Scene of Motor Vehicle Crash on Lauren Tice Road
49
TL – Scene of Fatal Car Crash
Top Center – Det/Sgt Gambino and Lt.

Swart enjoying a break together.
TR- Medivac Unit at the cow flop
BL – Rev James Louis and Officer Dion

Johnson
Right – Officers washing their patrol

units prior to their tour of duty
50
IN MEMORY OF SAUGERTIES POLICE CHAPLAIN
Deacon Arnold “Arnie” Hyland

03/06/1936 - 08/20/2020
51

Saugerties Police 2020 Year End Report

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PANDEMIC - COVID19

SAUGERTIES POLICE DEPARTMENT

Sir Robert Peel’s Nine Principles of Policing

I am extending an invitation to all our residents to call upon me or any

Police Captain (1) Stephen W. Filak Sr.

Police Lieutenant (1) - KJ Swart

Police Officers Full Time (9) Part Time (9)

Administrative Aide (1) Mary Monaco

VIP (Volunteer in Policing) Reserve Officers (6)

Chaplains Program (3) (Volunteer in Policing)

Dispatchers Full Time (3) Part Time (4)

Clerical VIP (1) (Volunteer in Policing)

School Crossing Guards (4)

College Intern Program

Dispatcher William Truax

The Police Communication Center is staffed by

SAUGERTIES POLICE 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Investigations – is comprised of the Detective Division which is

Detective Cases Town and Detective Cases Town and

Notable Detective Cases In 2020

Lead Investigator: Detective Erik Thiele

On 3/29/2020, members of the Saugerties Police Department responded

Photo - In 2020 the detective division to delivery of an AirScience

Lead Investigator: Detective Erik Thiele

On 4/22/2020, the Detective Division investigated a fatal motor vehicle on Route

Sexual Assault (CA-00977-20)

Lead Investigator: Detective Erik Thiele

On 8/16/2020, the Detective Division investigated the sexual assault of a 66-year-

Photo – Standing - Lieutenant KJ Swart, Detective/Sgt. Paul Gambino; Detective Pat

YEAR 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

INDIVIDUALS EXPERIEINCING A MENTAL

INDIVIDUALS TRANSPORTED BY POLICE 48 71 85 92 100 118 122 137

Volunteers In Policing – Volunteers are an important part of any organization

VIPs - Volunteered a Total of 2,161.75 hours to the police department in 2020.

This year brought a lot of challenges in the community as well. A teacher

- Officer Travis Winchell SRO

Type of Activity MAX ROMULUS

K9 Handler Jen Gambino

CALLS FOR SERVICE

Both Canine Teams attend mandatory training on a monthly basis as is required by

Sergeant Rushkoski / K9 MAX

DCJS required maintenance training: 160

Patrolman Culver / K9 Romulus

DCJS Required Maintenance Training: 172

2020 Total Training Hours: 412

K9 Division Goals for 2020

Domestic Incidents 2018-2020

2018 2019 2020

BODY WORN CAMERAS

In 2019 the Saugerties Police Department reintroduced bicycle patrols in

Lieutenant KJ Swart and Reserve Police Officer Phil

Saugerties Police Bikes

1. Bikes are less threatening than patrol vehicles

. SAUGERTIES POLICE CONDUCTED 429 ARREST IN 2020

Saugerties Population By Race % of Total SPD NOTE

2020 YEAR END BUDGET OVERVIEW

Revenues are back charges

$10,608 $17,398 $1,200 $2,064 Drug Testing 0.29%

ORACLE – OPIOID RESPONSE AS COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT