Westchester Police increase patrols at houses of worship during holy days

We remain committed to ensuring that every resident can observe their traditions in peace and without fear.”

County Executive Ken Jenkins

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. - Westchester County Police and law enforcement partners plan to increase patrols at houses of worship and religious gatherings during the current and upcoming holy days.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, started on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 17, and ends on Thursday, March 19. Is observed by Muslims with fasting, communal prayer, reflection, and community.

Passover begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 1. The festival of Pesach commemorates the Exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt.

Ash Wednesday was Feb. 18. It marks the first day of the Lenten season, the liturgical time before Easter when Catholics and other Christians prepare to commemorate Jesus’s Resurrection through prayer, penance, and fasting. Easter falls on Sunday, April 5 this year.

The County Police and all law enforcement agencies within “Counter-Terrorism Zone 3” are once again participating in Operation Safeguard, which includes an increased police presence around religious institutions and mass gatherings for religious observances.

CTZ-3 comprises Westchester and Putnam counties.

“As is customary during all major religious and secular holidays, law enforcement in Westchester will be on heightened alert,” County Executive Ken Jenkins said.

The public was encouraged to “remain vigilant” and to report any suspicious activity to the local police department.

According to WCPD Commissioner Terrance Raynor, there are “no known specific or credible threats at this time.”

However, the law enforcement community “is taking proactive measures out of an abundance of caution,” he said.

Police will also be monitoring social media and reviewing intelligence information provided by federal and state agencies about any potential threats to Westchester or its religious institutions.

The information will be shared through the multi-agency Real Time Crime intelligence center, which is housed at County Police headquarters in Hawthorne.

“Westchester County is proud of its diverse faith communities. We remain committed to ensuring that every resident can observe their traditions in peace and without fear,” Jenkins said.