TOWN OF LLOYD – Police officers in Ulster County are being harassed while off-duty and Lloyd Police Chief Jim Janso is concerned for the safety of his officers.
Janso, a 30-year veteran of law enforcement said that incidents taking place across the nation are placing officers under added scrutiny. However, Janso doesn’t think it is appropriate for people to be driving by an officer’s residence, stopping to intimidate family members, or even just park near the house and videotape the house and occupants.
“We have had a few incidents of disturbing behavior here at a couple of officer’s houses. When the intentions of the person are unknown, that’s a bit scary,” said Janso.
The Chief noted that more than half of his officers live in the town they are sworn to protect and the department is strongly committed to being a part of the community. “The politicians need to publicly show their support for the police rather than just doing it behind closed doors.”
Janso said that with recent changes to the laws, it is much easier for people to obtain personnel records for officers – information that may be used to harass an officer or even worse.” To combat the incidents, Lloyd police officers are now required to patrol past each officer’s house in town twice per shift, for every shift. “If I can’t protect my officers, how can I protect the community,” Janso said.
There have been approximately three incidents in Lloyd and two or three others throughout Ulster County. Law enforcement agencies throughout the area have been made aware of the situation.
