Ulster sheriff disputes suggestion of budget cuts

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KINGSTON – Amid financial concerns from local governments and agencies as a result of the economic impacts of COVID-19, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa said “now is not the time to put a price tag on public safety, or to burden brave front line public safety responders with worry about their careers.”

The sheriff’s comments come as all county departments have been instructed to consider budget cuts.

Ulster Sheriff Juan Figueroa

The busy department has seen increased demanded placed on it from COVID. Figueroa said there has been an increase in domestic violence, strong-arm robberies, burglaries and larcenies. The opioid epidemic has seen a 49 percent increase in overdoses. “As crime rises, this office has added additional responsibilities for security at testing sites, virtual court, and New York State Pause complaints,’ he said.

The sheriff said that when most people are home, the men and women of his office “are out on the front lines. They are the selfless individuals who run toward danger when others are running away. They risk not only their lives but those of their families. Each day they interact with the community, brings possible exposure to this virus.”




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