HAWTHORNE, NY (February 25, 2025) — Westchester County Police and its law enforcement partners will conduct increased patrols around houses of worship and religious gatherings over the next two months as community members observe holy days during Ramadan, Passover, Lent and Easter.
County Police and all law enforcement agencies within Counter-Terrorism Zone 3 are participating in Operation Safeguard, which includes an increased police presence around religious institutions and mass gatherings for religious observances. Counter-Terrorism Zone 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,” said Ken Jenkins. “We also encourage the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to their local police department.”
Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor said there are no known specific or credible threats at this time, but law enforcement is taking proactive measures out of an abundance of caution.
In addition to expanded patrols, Raynor said County Police and municipal police partners will monitor social media and review intelligence information provided by federal and state agencies regarding potential threats to Westchester or its religious institutions. The information will be shared through the multi-agency Real Time Crime intelligence center housed at County Police headquarters in Hawthorne.
“Westchester County is proud of its diverse faith communities,” Jenkins said. “We remain committed to ensuring that every resident can observe their traditions in peace and without fear.”
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.