Congressman Pat Ryan joined with Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta and Orange County Commissioner of Emergency Services Peter Cirigliano last week to announce their joint efforts to bolster public safety in Orange County. Ryan selected the county government and Emergency Services department for $1,808,405 in federal Community Project Funding for Fiscal Year 2025. The funding has already passed through the Appropriations Committee and is expected to get a final vote as part of the government funding bill this fall. $1,023,405 of the funding will be used for upgrades to the Orange County Emergency Operations Center, including the conversion of the current dispatcher trainee room into a real-time Intelligence Center with integrated new technology. Orange County government will use the other $785,000 to purchase 200 body-worn cameras for corrections officers at the Orange County Jail.
“I’m fighting every day to bolster public safety across the Hudson Valley – and that means working hand-in-hand with our local leaders to deliver the resources they need, regardless of political party. These investments in Orange County are going to significantly strengthen public safety for residents,” Ryan said. “I’d like to specifically thank County Executive Neuhaus, Sheriff Arteta, and Emergency Services Commissioner Cirigliano for their partnership in getting these applications in place. Together, we are going to ensure Orange County is a safe community for everyone.”
“Emergency Management is one of my top priorities and I am grateful to Congressman Ryan for helping me and my team continue to upgrade and improve our capabilities,” Neuhaus said. Sheriff Arteta added: “This funding by Congressmen Ryan will be instrumental in aiding our members while they are working. Body cameras are instrumental in collecting evidence and adding another layer of transparency to our office.”
Descriptions of the Ryan’s project proposals are as follows:
Orange County Emergency Operations Center funding will go toward critical upgrades to the existing EOC/911 display wall and a larger screen to accommodate more video sources, upgrades to the technology and display wall in the County Executive’s EOC Command Room, and conversion of the current Dispatcher Trainee Room into a Real-time Intelligence Center with integrated new Real-Time technology to support the EOC during activations. The EOC was constructed in 2008 and these critical technology upgrades will boost first responder time and enhance public safety for the 400,000 residents of Orange County.
The funding for the Orange County Jail will be used to fund 200 body-worn cameras for the corrections officers. These body-worn cameras will create a comprehensive system of accountability for correctional officers employed at Orange County Jail and protect correctional officers and staff, in addition to those in the care and custody of the jail.
Research has shown that body-worn cameras in jail settings improve relationships and communication among corrections officers and those they are trusted to oversee. The use of body-worn cameras will help to reduce use-of-force incidents and injuries to corrections officers, staff, and those incarcerated while ensuring the safety and accountability of all parties.