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PRESS RELEASE |
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MIDDLETOWN POLICE TO UTILIZE CRIME ANALYSIS, EXTRA DIRECTED PATROLS OVER HALLOWEEN WEEKENDOctober 30, 2009 The City of Middletown Police will be tapping into new resources and beefing up patrols in an effort to keep trick or treaters safe and keep property from being damaged this Halloween weekend. Police will use crime analysis data, extra directed patrols and a zero tolerance application of the city curfew ordinance over the course of the weekend. They will also be working with other agencies to insure that the public is kept safe. Police will have extra patrols assigned to each ward starting tonight. Crime Analyst Courtney Faith has utilized data from the past three Halloweens to develop “hot spots” that patrols will give extra attention to. “We want everyone to enjoy a safe Halloween without diminishing the quality of life for their neighbors”, said Middletown Police Chief Matthew Byrne. “We have increased our patrols and focused their attention by utilizing crime analysis. By creating hot spots of prior year Halloween-related calls for service, we are better able to protect our community.” The Common Council passed an enhanced Halloween curfew ordinance. The curfew which runs from 9:00 pm through 6:00 am October 29 through November 1, 2009 prohibits anyone under 18 years of age, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, with certain other limited exceptions, from being out on the streets. The crime analyst and an additional police officer are paid for through “Operation IMPACT”. Operation IMPACT is an initiative of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services that supports strategic crime-fighting and violence reduction initiatives in the 17 counties outside of New York City. This is the first year Middletown is included in the initative. "This is an example how the city benefits from being a member of Operation IMPACT, said Byrne. "The funding of a crime analyst gives the city additional resources to help keep crime down. Without the help of the state we wouldn't be able to have these important extra tools. The data that Courtney creates will focus officers on areas that need special attention." The City of Middletown Police Department, which is the second largest police department in Orange County, started serving the residents of Middletown in 1888.
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