Annual Report

2019

Contents

New York State Police Wall of Honor ...... 2 Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Rescue ...... 3 Basic School Graduations ...... 4 Academy ...... 5 Administration ...... 6 Aviation Unit ...... 7 Bomb Disposal Unit ...... 8 BCI ...... 9 Canine.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………12 CCSERT ...... 13 Communications ...... 14 Crime Lab ...... 15 MFU ...... 16 NYSIC ...... 17 OEM ...... 18 PSB ...... 19 URT ...... 21 SIU ...... 22 SORT ...... 23 Troop A ...... 24 Troop B ...... 25 Troop C ...... 26 Troop D ...... 27 Troop E ...... 28 Troop F ...... 29 Troop G ...... 30 Troop K ...... 31 Troop L ...... 32 Troop NYC ...... 33 Troop T ...... 34 2019 Statistics ...... 35

1

New York State Police Wall of Honor

Since 1917, one-hundred and 47 New York State Troopers have given the ultimate sacrifice while serving the people of New York. In 2019, we lost one member in the line of duty.

JEFFREY M. CICORA – August 10, 2019

Sergeant/Station Commander Jeffrey M. Cicora died on August 10, 2019, from cancer stemming from his assignment to the World Trade Center site, following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Sergeant/SC Cicora entered into disability retirement from the New York State Police after 24 years of service on May 3, 2017, because of his worsening illness. Following the events of 9/11, Sergeant/SC Cicora was assigned to aid with the search and recovery efforts in New York City, as part of the New York State Police Detail. Sergeant/SC Cicora is survived by his wife and son.

2

Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Rescue

On March 31, 2019, Trooper Joshua Kaye, SP Rockaways came across a car parked on the Verrazzano- Narrows Bridge. The driver, an elderly man, got out of the car, walked over to the edge of the bridge, and started to climb over the edge. The trooper, and a civilian who stopped to help, grabbed the man just as he went over the edge.

For one minute, they held him 23 stories above the water as he struggled to get out of their grasp.

An off-duty New York City Police Department Officer and two on-duty New York City Police Department Emergency Services Unit Officers arrived.

Together, they were able to lift him back onto the bridge.

The rescue was caught by a passerby on their cell phone and made local and national news.

3

BASIC SCHOOL GRADUATION

On July 24, 2019, the class of the 208th session of the Basic School graduated 228 Recruit Troopers.

The Basic School for New York State Troopers consists of 26 weeks of training. It is one of the most comprehensive law enforcement recruit training programs in the country and is designed to provide newly appointed troopers with the academic foundation, physical fitness and technical skills necessary to perform their complex, varied police duties with professionalism and excellence.

Basic School training is residential; recruits are required to live at the Academy. Class sizes have ranged from 50 to more than 200 recruits, depending upon departmental needs and budgetary considerations. Each student's commitment is constantly tested by the school's demanding and rigorous college-level program.

To graduate a recruit must successfully complete 1,095 hours of training provided by certified law enforcement professionals and members of the New York State Police.

4

Academy

The New York State Police has a long tradition of providing outstanding training to men and women in the law enforcement profession. While many are troopers, including recruits learning the basics and veteran sworn members receiving specialized in-service training, several thousand others come from the criminal justice community. In addition to training State Police personnel, the Academy provides instruction in areas of criminal investigation, forensics and other topical issues to members of other police departments and outside agencies who routinely look to the State Police for assistance.

In addition to graduating a Basic School Recruit class, the Academy trained over 10,000 people during 2019.

In 2019, the New York State Police Academy and staff continued to provide training resources across a wide range of topics to State Police members, police officers and the criminal justice community in general.

The Academy hosted several annual training programs, including the Henry Williams Homicide Seminar, which draws an international audience, the Child Abuse and Neglect Seminar and the Sex Offense Seminar.

In 2019, the Academy partnered with the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, to provide training designed to improve mental health and wellness of Members. More than 750 Members and representatives from other agencies attended Executive Leadership, Mid-Level Leadership, Survive and Thrive, or the Executive Summit on Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness.

On November 5, 2019, Superintendent Keith Corlett hosted the first Executive Summit on Law Enforcement Mental Health at the Academy. The summit was attended by executive and mid-level staff from agencies throughout the state. This summit assisted in addressing the nation-wide concern of officer mental health, safety and wellness.

The Academy’s Forensic Video/Multimedia Services Unit had the busiest year in its history in 2019. The Section examined 131 cases that included 293 multimedia items from cases ranging from quadruple homicides to potential terroristic incidents. With the addition of new state-of-the-art digital evidence tools, the Section provided successful facial and vehicle identifications in 11 cases where no suspects were initially identified. In addition to lab forensic analysis, the Section provided on-scene field support in 25 cases and testified in 13 homicide trials throughout the State. Forensic Multimedia training was also provided on 16 different occasions at conferences, schools and seminars across the northeast.

The Video Production Section completed 32 multimedia projects that included 9 full length videos. Notable projects included the 2020 Recruitment campaign videos, two Basic School Graduation videos, Forensic Investigation Center training videos and Traffic Safety public service announcements. The Photography Section completed 22 assignments including major events like graduations, funerals, conferences and press events. The Section also started for the first time, the Basic School Composite portraits for Graduations. The AV Support Section provided technology assistance to 26 State Police events at the SP Academy and venues across the State.

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Administration – CJIS Audit and Compliance Unit

The New York State Police CJIS Audit and Compliance Unit assists field personnel by conducting a wide variety of audit, support and search functions. The unit, located in Division Headquarters, provides support for technologies used by field personnel such as the Integrated Justice Portal. It is responsible to ensure agencies in New York follow security requirements mandated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation by offering support, training and the completion of triennial system audits. The unit partners with the Division of Criminal Justice Services to represent all users of the Portal in a national governance process to ensure that the system and its functions are in compliance with all security standards. One of the main functions of the CJIS Security and Compliance Unit is to conduct FBI mandated audits of New York State criminal justice and non-criminal justice agencies with access to the Portal, as outlined in the CJIS Security Policy. The New York State Police is the CJIS Systems Agency (CSA) and works with DCJS, the State ID Bureau, to coordinate the required audits. Approximately 4,000 agencies are audited on their use of the Portal and the policies associated with having access.

The audits are administered electronically by using the CJIS Audit application. Each year, of the three-year cycle, approximately 1,300 agencies are audited; over 100 agencies each month. Agencies can be assigned from two to six different audits, depending on their use of the Portal. The New York State Police also conducts another audit every two years, to confirm agency contact information is current. Formal audits are conducted to ensure compliance with applicable statutes, regulations and policies.

The NYSP CJIS Security and Compliance Unit handles the NCIC Audit, NCIC – Limited Use Audit, IT Security Audit and the Biennial ORI Validation Audit. DCJS Office of Internal Audit handles the CHRI Audit, DMV Photo Audit, Lawman Audit, NDEx Audit and Non-Criminal Justice Agency Audits.

Additionally, the NYSP CJIS Security and Compliance Unit conducts training for agencies that have non- compliance issues. Quarterly training is conducted to assist agencies with understanding the content of what is addressed in the audits. The philosophy of the unit is to train to compliance versus imposing sanctions for non-compliance.

Among the many support functions for law enforcement, one of the most valuable would be the Special Computer Application (SCA) search capability. SCA searches utilize a number of applications to gain valuable information to assist in a variety of investigations statewide. Members of the SCA team search several restricted databases through the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the International Justice and Public Safety Network and several internal New York State Police applications. In 2019, the SCA team completed 3,809 searches on multiple databases.

October 2019 – SCA received a request for a search on a white Nissan pickup truck in reference to an overdose death investigation. The unit compiled a list of 292 vehicles matching the criteria. The requesting agency cross referenced the list compiled with the help of phone records and other data they acquired to identify the vehicle. Information from SCA contributed to the arrest of the person responsible for the overdose death.

January 2019 - A white BMW Model 550I was involved in a hit and run personal injury accident that resulted in a pursuit. At that time the vehicle was not apprehended. The investigating agency submitted a request with only three possible characters of the plate. The SCA Unit worked with the agency to narrow the list of potential vehicles down to one. As a result, the vehicle involved was located and stopped by the requesting agency. During the stop a large quantity of illegal drugs and several guns were located.

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Aviation Unit Flights Conducted 1,496 Assists to Law Enforcement 398 The New York State Police Aviation Unit Emergency Medical Evacuations 54 consists of four stations, including headquarters, which is located at the Albany International Airport. The other stations are located at the Adirondack Regional Airport (Saranac Lake), Stewart International Airport (Newburgh) and Greater Rochester International Airport.

SP Saranac Lake – On September 30, 2019, New York State DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiking party on the north side of Mount Colden in the town of Keene who reported an 18-year-old in the group fatigued and unable to walk. Through additional questioning by DEC Forest Rangers, it was discovered the hiker had a pre-existing heart condition, that if taxed, caused circulation issues, fatigue, and an inability to walk. DEC Forest Rangers responded to SP Aviation-Saranac Lake and were flown by helicopter to the incident location by Division Pilot Scott Kotronis. Once the hiker was located, a hoist rescue was performed and the victim was airlifted to a local hospital for additional medical treatment. The two remaining hikers were supplied with headlamps and continued their hike out to the trailhead.

SP Newburgh- On October 15, 2019, SP Aviation-Newburgh was requested by Troop K to assist with the search of a lost hiker in the town of Gallatin, Columbia County. Division Pilots Raymond Giganti and John Bernadini, assisted with a search of the area. The missing hiker heard the helicopter overhead, which provided her the ability to walk to a logging trail where she was located by patrols.

SP Albany- On October 20, 2018, SP Aviation-Albany responded to Delaware County for a report of a lost child. Sgt. Tricia Angelini, Sgt. Daryl Habernack, and Tpr. Andrew Broderick, observed pink clothing in a field within the search area. Upon closer inspection, they saw the child and her dog crouched beneath a rock that made them not visible to the ground search team. The aircrew redirected the ground crew to the area whereupon the child was located.

SP Rochester - On April 10, 2019, an SP Rochester 2-shift patrol initiated a traffic stop on vehicle going 88 mph on I-490 in Monroe County. A pursuit was initiated for three miles at a top speed of 100 mph. The vehicle exited onto State Route 36 and stopped, and the driver and two female occupants fled on foot. SP Aviation-Rochester Sgt. Todd Hathaway and T/Sgt Jim Bak, flying 1H16, were dispatched to assist in SP Albany crew that located a missing locating the subjects. A Troop E K9 patrol located the driver 5-year-old in Delaware County hiding behind an air conditioner where the K9 engaged the driver who actively resisted. 1H16 located the two females running from the scene and ground units were contacted to take them into custody.

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Bomb Disposal Unit Total Incidents Handled 381

The State Police Bomb Disposal unit currently has 11 FBI certified bomb technicians and is the most active bomb disposal team in New York State. They are responsible for most of the upstate geographic area and respond to calls for improvised explosive devices, recovered military ordnance, commercial explosives and suspicious packages. Members are often assigned to high profile events for operational standby and to assist with pre-event security sweeps. To increase response capability, the Bomb Disposal Unit has acquired equipment to allow for rapid, dismounted operations. This allows technicians to quickly respond to calls for service with the tools necessary to complete their task while being a distance from their vehicles. Additionally, two members have recently completed the FBI Tactical Bomb Technician program and will be training the remaining members in proper techniques to work effectively with tactical teams during dynamic, hostile situations. Four teams based at Albany, Batavia, Montgomery and Carthage are equipped with bomb transport trailers and robots to safely mitigate explosive related incidents. Each technician is equipped with x-ray capability, bomb suits, disruptors and a variety of other tools and render safe items.

May 2019 – The BDU responded to assist with an apparent improvised explosive device with a light mounted to the front, placed under a pickup truck in Hancock, NY. The perpetrators fired numerous high-powered rifle rounds at the item, in the dark, missing it entirely. Several rounds struck the truck and flattened a tire, wedging the item underneath. Robots were used to x-ray the item, sample the contents, and remotely remove it from under the truck. The item was a plastic wastepaper can filled with 55 lbs. of a mixture consistent with exploding targets. The contents were moved to a safe location and destroyed. May 2019 – The BDU responded to assist Newburgh Police with a suspicious situation at a shopping mall and nearby convenience store. Numerous containers of an unknown substance were located. Bomb technicians identified the substance as non-explosive. An investigation revealed an unknown person combined poppy seeds with water in an attempt to extract narcotics through a tea brewing method. June 2019 - The BDU responded to a report of an improvised explosive device in Elmira, NY. The device was found by the Elmira Police Department during a warrant execution. Analysis by the bomb technicians determined the device was made with numerous consumer fireworks and screws, designed to cause shrapnel injuries upon detonation. The suspect also used parts from a radio-controlled toy truck to remotely detonate the device when he desired.

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BCI

Computer Crime Unit – Computer Forensic Laboratory (CFL)

The Computer Forensic Laboratory (CFL) is a full service laboratory dedicated to the collection, preservation and analysis of computers, mobile devices and various other digital devices. The CFL provides law enforcement agencies in New York State and surrounding states with unsurpassed digital forensic capabilities. In 2019, the CFL analyzed over 136 million megabytes of evidentiary data in all forms of digital evidence, a 31% increase over 2018. The CFL also has been involved in high profile cases, rebuilding damaged cellphones, discovering new forensic artifacts, and accessing data from encrypted devices.

In 2019, the CFL has increased its capabilities in hard drive repair. Hard drive repair has allowed the CFL to extract data of evidentiary value from damaged hard drives, and gain access to data that had been previously unavailable. The CFL also continues to expand its capabilities in the area of newer encrypted smartphones and passcode locked iOS devices.

The CFL continues to be at the forefront of vehicle forensics, allowing investigators and outside agencies access to information located in infotainment systems, which can provide key insight into the operation of a vehicle prior to or during an incident.

February 2019 – The CFL was assigned an Assault/Rape investigation. The device arrived at the CFL in an extremely damaged condition. The device was in several pieces and was not supported for data extraction in its current damaged condition. The device was rebuilt using parts from an exemplar Apple device. The device successfully brute forced the passcode. A full file system extraction was completed. The file system was then parsed and previously unknown location data was discovered. This data helped solidify the victim’s statements and helped expose the defendant’s fabricated version of events.

October 2019 - Members of the Troop C Computer Crime Unit (CCU), NYSP Homer BCI and Uniform Members, Troop C Forensic Investigation Unit, as well as Cortland Police executed a search warrant in the city of Cortland pursuant to a CyberTipline report submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators responded and interviewed the suspect who admitted to possessing child sexual abuse material. While conducting an on-scene examination of the suspect’s computer, Troop D CCU, discovered surveillance videos from the suspect’s stepdaughter’s bedroom. The suspect admitted to setting up the camera approximately six years prior.

November 2019 - SP Middletown BCI requested assistance from the Troop F Computer Crime Unit regarding a homicide at a night club. Members of Troop F CCU responded and secured digital video which captured the incident which led to the shooting and video of the shooting (murder) itself. The video was secured within hours of being overwritten. Numerous cellular phones were examined which provided useful information. The suspect has been identified and is currently being sought.

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Forensic Investigation Support Services (FISS)

The Forensic Investigation Support Services (FISS) consists of four units of expertise: The Special Victims Unit (SVU), the New York State Violent Crime Analysis Program (NYS ViCAP), the Medico- Legal Investigations Unit (MIU) and the Cold Case Unit. FISS members provide investigative support, training, and resources to law enforcement and social service agencies toward the prevention, investigation and prosecution of crimes against children, sexual offenses, domestic violence, homicide and other violent crimes.

Staff from SVU conduct law enforcement training at the New York State Police Academy and local academies. SVU also hosts annual training seminars for law enforcement and social service agencies from across the state and around the world. SVU plans and administers the annual Crimes Against Children Seminar (CAC) and the Colonel Henry F. Williams Homicide Seminar (HFW).

The SVU also manages New York State’s AMBER Alert Program, activating the system in child abduction cases that meet strict activation criteria. Since the program’s inception in 2002, the SVU has activated the AMBER Alert system 93 times for cases involving 111 missing children. In 2019, the AMBER Alert system was activated five times involving five missing children. The AMBER Alert played a direct role in the recovery of all five of those children.

September 2019 – The Southhampton Police Department requested a NYS AMBER Alert activation for a three-year old female was abducted by her mother after she shot the father and fled. The NYS AMBER Alert was activated. Upon learning of the alert, family members with whom the child had been left, reported the child’s location to police and she was returned unharmed.

The Division’s annual Colonel Henry F. Williams International Homicide Seminar was held in September. This week-long seminar featured nationally renowned speakers presenting instruction in topics including forensics, DNA technology, cold case investigations, mass shooting investigations, and other case studies. The seminar attracted 191 representatives from over 102 agencies across the United States, several foreign countries, and two U.S. territories, including Canada, Estonia, Germany, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The SVU partners with the New York State Office of Child and Family Services to plan and administer the annual Crimes Against Children Seminar. This 30-hour seminar features nationally renowned speakers presenting instruction on a variety of topics such as sex and human trafficking, internet crimes against children and child abuse investigation and prosecution. The 2019 seminar was held at the New York State Police Academy in Albany, New York, and attracted 262 representatives from 96 New York State agencies.

The Special Victims Unit participates in many multidisciplinary working groups and advisory boards related to combatting child abuse, elder abuse, sex and human trafficking and sexual offenses. This includes the New York State Children’s Justice Task Force, the New York State Child Fatality Protocol Review Committee, Interagency Task Force (ITF) on Human Trafficking and ITF Youth Trafficking Subcommittee, the New York State Coalition on Elder Abuse Advisory Board and the DCJS Cold Case Review Panel.

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ICAC CyberTips® 5,382 Cases 3,427 The New York State Internet Crimes Against Subpoenas 1,916 Children Task Force (NYS ICAC) is one of 61 ICAC Task Forces nationwide established to Arrests 280 develop and implement effective response strategies to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation, cyber-enticement, and internet crimes against children.

The NYS ICAC Task Force was established in 1998 and has dozens of affiliate agencies representing federal, county and local law enforcement. Task Force members conduct criminal investigations based on reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), public complaints and undercover investigations. In addition to the criminal investigations, members of the task force provide training to law enforcement, prosecutors, and the public.

On February 27, 2019, Troop D Computer Crimes Unit executed a “knock and talk” at a residence in the town of Ellisburg, NY, relative to two CyberTipline reports made by Facebook to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A male, age 25, was interviewed and admitted to sending and receiving images of child exploitation on Facebook’s Messenger application. The man was found to have shared the images and videos with over 100 other Facebook users. He was charged with one count of Possession of a Sexual Performance by a Child and two counts of Promotion of a Sexual Performance by a Child.

On March 27, 2019, Troop B Computer Crimes Unit and SP Plattsburgh executed a search warrant at a residence in Plattsburgh, NY, relative to three CyberTipline Reports made by Facebook to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A man, age 28, was interviewed and admitted having sexual conversations and exchanging explicit images with 12 and 15-year-old sisters who also lived in Plattsburgh, NY. He was charged with one count of Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor 1st Degree.

On April 3, 2019, members of SP Geneseo BCI and Troop E CCU executed a search warrant. ICAC Task Force developed a Peer-2-Peer investigation with a target IP address returning to the town of Retsof, in Livingston County. The targeted man, a 33-year-old, who lived at the residence with his mother, denied any involvement in the sharing of child pornography. Six items of evidence were secured and the man was not charged at the time of the warrant execution. The electronic media seized was subsequently reviewed and evidence consistent with images and videos of the sexual exploitation of a child were recovered on five of the six items. The man was subsequently arrested for Promoting and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child.

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Canine Unit

The New York State Police Canine Unit was first organized in 1975 when the Division sent its first three members for training with the Baltimore Police Department in Maryland. These three initial canine teams were specifically trained in explosive detection in preparation for the 1976 and 1980 Olympics. All canines are donated through the generosity of breeders, private individuals and humane societies. State Police canines are named after deceased members.

The NYSP maintains a canine unit comprised of specially trained patrol canines, bloodhounds, and canine handlers strategically located across the State of New York. The canine unit’s mission is to provide support to field operations, to respond promptly to incidents where the canine asset may be of use, to assist other agencies, and to perform other special functions as directed. In addition, when appropriately requested, the canine unit will provide highly trained canine teams for any requesting law enforcement agency.

January 2019 - Trooper Mark Bender and Canine Mandin, Troop D North Syracuse, responded to the 100 block of West Steele Street in the village of Herkimer to assist State Fire and Herkimer Fire Department with a fatal house fire. The fire claimed the lives of three children. Fire personnel located the one-year-old child’s remains, Canine Mandin successfully located the remains of the other two children. May 2019 - Trooper Matthew X. Carniglia, Troop B Ray Brook, conducted a traffic stop on a pickup truck on Interstate 87 in Clinton County. After interviewing the operator, Canine Keane was utilized for an exterior search of the vehicle and gave a positive alert to the tailgate of the truck. Trooper Carniglia searched the truck based on the alert and located a large duffle bag in the bed of the truck Trooper Carniglia and Canine Keane containing approximately 340 pounds of marijuana. June 2019 - Trooper Patrick Darling, Troop G Fonda, assisted the town of Bethlehem Police Department with a cadaver/ human remains search of a two-story, eight-unit apartment building. Trooper Darling utilized Canine Jaco who quickly alerted to a very specific small debris area. Within a very short time of removing the debris from the area where Canine Jaco alerted, the deceased subject was located. September 2019 - Trooper Eric Buchinsky, Troop K Livingston, responded with Canine Rato to a juvenile detention facility in Columbia County to assist in locating two youths who ran away from the facility. Trooper Buchinsky and Rato tracked the juveniles for approximately two miles and located both subject hiding in a trailer. Both subjects were turned over to the facility staff. September 2019 - Trooper Joshua Roth, Troop A Ellicottville, responded to a residence in Chautauqua County to assist local and federal agencies search for stolen guns. Trooper Roth utilized Canine Buck to search the residence revealing one handgun. Canine Buck also alerted on a locked safe. The safe was later opened revealing three handguns. All evidence was secured by the federal agency Canine Buck 12

CCSERT Clandestine Lab Responses 296

The Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team’s (CCSERT) four regional teams provide state-level response to actual, suspected or perceived crime scenes in which chemical, biological, explosive, radiological, or nuclear contamination or components may be present. 120 members are all certified Hazardous Material Technicians who can provide emergency response capability to support law enforcement agencies when responding to contaminated crime scenes or hazardous conditions. In addition, teams are regularly called upon by other law enforcement agencies for their expertise in responding to and mitigating clandestine drug laboratories. These clan labs include, but are not limited to, methamphetamine, fentanyl, steroids and ecstasy (MDMA).

May 2019- CCSERT responded to the town of Painted Post for a fatal house fire resulting in the death of the 82-year old resident. CCSERT collected evidence showing the fire was the result of a methamphetamine production operation. Further investigation revealed the resident’s two grandsons saved their meth making equipment from the fire, but left their grandmother inside. The grandsons were both subsequently charged with second degree murder.

Fatal House Fire in Painted Post

June and July 2019- CCSERT responded to two separate attempted chemical suicides in vehicles in Troop D. Chemical suicides, also called “detergent suicide,” involves mixing common household chemicals containing acids and sulfurs to create deadly hydrogen sulfide gas. The scenes pose extreme health, even risk of death to first responders, requiring them to establish an initial isolation distance of 100ft. CCSERT members used their specialized training and equipment to collect evidence and remove the hazards from each incident scene.

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Communications

The NYSP Communications section is responsible for the management and support of the Division’s statewide network of telephone, radio systems and related technologies and services used to support the activities of sworn staff and civilian personnel. The Communications Section is also tasked with providing communication capabilities at temporary emergency command post locations on a 24/7 basis. The Division operates fifteen dispatch centers across the state, with certain locations serving as either a primary or secondary public safety answering point for E-911 and/or W-911 calls for service.

Radio Services Unit The Radio Services Unit is responsible for the management of the agency’s radio system and supporting infrastructure across the state. The unit also supports a fleet of Mobile Command Vehicles and deployable equipment available to respond to critical incidents and special details. The vehicles, operated by trained technical support staff, provide incident commanders with portable telephone, radio, data, video and satellite connectivity in a mobile office environment. Communications supported more than 90 Mobile Command activations in 2019.

The Radio Services Unit has a number of large scale improvement projects in various stages of development. These include the statewide replacement and upgrade of radio circuits that support remote hilltop radio transmitting sites, and upgrading the agency’s end user equipment maintain interoperability with law enforcement partners and county 911 operations, using new and evolving radio technologies. During 2019, Communications completed the replacement of radio console equipment at six Troop Headquarters communications centers.

Also in 2019, the State Police and Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) completed a project to update the Division’s Metro-21 Radio System infrastructure used by State Police, MTA Police and approximately two dozen law enforcement partner agencies in the city of New York. Metro-21 is now connected to the MTA Police’s Metropolitan Regional Radio System (MRRS). Once the MRRS is fully deployed, this jointly administered system with allow seamless above and below ground portable radio communications in both the city of New York, as well as major portions of the MTA Service area outside the city, improving response times and officer safety.

Telephone Services Unit The Telephone Services Unit is responsible for providing 24/7 support to the Division’s voice telecommunications networks, serving hundreds of State Police facilities and special operations statewide.

The Unit provides direct support and management of dispatch facilities and special operations while serving in a support role for locations served by NYS ITS.

Special Projects Division Communications, in concert with the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York State Thruway Authority is developing a new, single, statewide Computer Aided Dispatch system. Computer Aided Dispatch will provide greater situational awareness, improving response times and promote interoperability. The new system will replace the three current systems and is scalable to accommodate additional public safety state agencies. Network connectivity supporting the new CAD system is being designed by NYS ITS.

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Crime Lab Forensic Investigation Center Cases 6,990 Mid-Hudson Regional Lab Cases 2,739 The NYSP's Crime Laboratory System Southern Tier Regional Lab Cases 1,265 (CLS) provides statewide support to all state criminal justice agencies with state- Western Regional Lab Cases 1,211 of-the-art forensic analytical and investigative capabilities and expert testimony related to the investigation and resolution of criminal matters. The CLS has four laboratories located across the state.

October 2018 - The Troop D Forensic Identification Unit contacted FIC Biological Science staff with a request for expedited analysis in a home invasion/robbery case. An unknown male entered the victim’s residence with a gun and demanded money. During a physical altercation, a round was discharged from the suspect’s firearm and the unknown suspect stuck his hand into the victim’s jacket pocket to retrieve the victim’s cell phone, grabbing the front collar of the victim’s jacket. Bioscience staff swabbed inside the pocket and the front collar/chest area of the jacket for possible “touch DNA”. A CODIS search of the DNA profile developed from the collar of the jacket resulted in a hit to a New York State convicted offender, providing valuable investigative information to Troop D.

August 2019 - A 21-year-old woman was reported missing after she failed to returned home after a shift at a convenience store in St. Johnsville, New York. Two days later NYSP personnel located the woman’s cell phone alongside a roadway. The victim’s body was eventually found in heavy brush in Oppenheim, NY. The NYSP Troop G Forensic Identification Unit processed multiple crime scenes. The Laboratory expedited serology and DNA analysis on samples obtained from the victim’s body at autopsy, resulting in a CODIS hit to a suspect. Additional DNA testing matched numerous samples from the victim’s clothing to that same suspect. At the trial, in addition to testimony regarding the Serology and DNA evidence, a detailed timeline was presented by NYSP personnel using video surveillance, cell phone records and data downloaded from the victim’s Fitbit fitness tracker.

October 2019 – New York State Police Laboratory Staff were once again called upon to showcase their accomplishments. Several Forensic Scientists attended a meeting of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) in San Antonio, TX. This is the premiere professional development event for forensic toxicologists, with over 1,000 attendees from around the world. During the course of the annual meeting, Forensic Scientist IVs Seth Tracy and Gregory Sarris, presented information regarding their “Validation of a 14 Assay ELISA Panel for Tier I Recommended Compounds in DUID Investigations” and “Optimization of the Neogen Benzodiazepine ELISA Kit for DUID Investigations”, respectively. Associate Director of Forensic Science/Toxicology Jennifer Limoges also gave a platform presentation on “Impaired Driving Toxicology Data Collection.” She also co-chaired and presented in a workshop on accreditation. Many of the Crime Lab’s forensic scientists are members of their discipline’s professional organization(s) and contribute to the organization and field by passing on their research and techniques that they’ve developed at the Crime Laboratory.

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Mobile Field Unit

The Mobile Field Unit (MFU) is comprised of troopers from multiple Troops statewide with specialized training in civil disorder control. MFU members are also trained in techniques to extract protestors from specially designed protestor devices, intended to prevent the protestors from being arrested while disrupting whatever activity they are against.

November 2019 – Troop K responded to the Cricket Valley Power Plant in Wingdale where approximately 50 protestors trespassed onto the property to protest plant operations. The protestors were equipped with chains, locks, rope, and a tractor, which they barricaded themselves on and around, in front of the plant entrance. Four additional protestors gained entrance into the facility and climbed up a 275-foot tall smokestack. Troop K and the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office attempted to speak to the group and get them to leave with negative results. Troop K requested MFU to respond with an extraction team to extricate the protestors. MFU South and Troop G Teams responded to the scene with an extrication team and equipment trailers with various extrication equipment. The protestors were safely extracted from the devices without incident and turned over for arrest processing. Troop K negotiators used a Long-Range Acoustical Device (LRAD) to communicate with the four remaining protestors, who quickly complied and came down to ground level where they were arrested by waiting troopers and deputies.

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NYSIC Requests for Investigative Assistance 17,813 Intelligence Bulletins Disseminated 471 The New York State Intelligence Center (NYSIC), is the officially designated fusion center for New York State. Since its opening in 2003, the New York State Intelligence Center has promoted timely and accurate information exchange among New York law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal level.

The NYSIC, a multi-agency, all-crimes fusion center, identifies, prevents, and protects New York against emerging domestic and international terrorist and criminal threats through information collection, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence. The NYSIC provides investigative and analytic resources, subject matter expertise, and information in an effort to detect, prevent and respond to both criminal and terrorist activity.

The NYSIC is comprised of two separate sections, the Counter Terrorism Center and Criminal Intelligence Section, that work together seamlessly to support the NYSIC Mission.

February 2019 – SP Northway requested NYSIC assistance with an ongoing investigation into narcotics trafficking between NYC and Washington County. The NYSIC entered the suspect vehicle information into the fixed License Plate Reader system and the targets were subsequently discovered to be travelling northbound on the NYS Thruway. After developing probable cause for numerous traffic violations, patrols stopped the vehicle. A vehicle search yielded 18 grams of heroin, 36 grams of crack cocaine, five grams of powdered cocaine, marijuana, a digital scale, and collapsible baton. The individuals arrested were from Lakeland, FL and NYC. Both subsequently plead guilty.

May 2019 – The NYSIC CTIU West assisted the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office with an investigation into a fraudulent military ID card. The subject, an unarmed security guard who, as a convicted felon, was prohibited from owning firearms. With assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, an investigation revealed the subject was receiving packages consistent with assault rifle components. When interviewed, the subject acknowledged he had a “ghost” 9mm handgun. A search of his residence yielded multiple weapons, assault rifle magazines and several thousand rounds of ammunition. He was arrested on multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon.

June 2019 – In one of their most noteworthy deployments, the NYSIC Mobile Intelligence Team (MIT) assisted Amsterdam Police Department with a homicide investigation. In this incident, the victim was shot multiple times by an unknown subject whose image was captured on video at the victim’s home. Using resources available at NYSIC, the MIT developed leads as to the subject’s possible identity. Further database checks corroborated that individual’s connection to the street where the victim resided, and developed additional investigative leads for Amsterdam PD relating to the subject, possible witnesses, and to subjects who may have assisted with the destruction of evidence. The investigation culminated in not only the arrest of the suspect, but in the arrest of multiple additional individuals who acted as accomplices after the homicide.

October 2019 – The Long Beach Police Department contacted NYSIC for assistance identifying a subject of interest in a series of jewelry thefts on Long Island and Staten Island. Prior attempts to identify the subject were unsuccessful. Using surveillance images and vehicle information provided by LBPD, NYSIC developed a possible identity for the subject. The information was sent to LBPD, who after further investigation, arrested the subject for Grand Larceny.

October 2019 – The NYSIC Counter Terrorism Center discovered a threatening post on an online message board often used by domestic extremists. The user indicated a desire to use pistols and shotguns to shoot up a movie theater when the Joker film was released. He stated, in part, “I will kill random people, just because this movie inspired me to do so,” and understood that he would make headlines. Given the nature of the threat, the post was submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for follow-up. The NYSIC and FBI tracked the user to Texas, and the 26-year old male was arrested the next day.

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OEM Training Exercises 78 Emergency Operations Center Activations 63 The New York State Police Office of Field Deployments 99

Emergency Management (OEM), works in collaboration with New York State OEM staff and liaisons with federal, state, and local partners to enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities throughout the state. The OEM enables the Governor and senior staff to formulate the appropriate level of state support and response during disasters and emergencies.

January 2019- Capt. Keith Golden, HQ- OEM, and Lt. John Phelps, Troop G- OEM, assisted with the coordination efforts at the State EOC and in the field to locate, stop, and eventually recover several vessels that broke free from their moorings on the Hudson River by ice jam flows. The vessels presented a hazard to downstream structures, including several bridges and train trestles.

April 2019- Lt. James Browne, Troop F- OEM, assisted with the planning and execution of a large-scale Active Shooter exercise on the grounds of West Point Military Academy.

October 2019- State Police members assigned to Vessels break free on Hudson River the NYS Incident Management Team participated in a large-scale exercise and training event by working with the FDNY Incident Management Team to manage the activities of the New York Wildfire & Incident Management Academy on the grounds of Brookhaven National Laboratories on Long Island. This was a two-week long event that involved rotating personal in and through different roles to gain further training and refine previously trained skills.

November 2019- Lt. Bryan Evans, Troop C- OEM, and State Police members assigned to the NYS Incident Management Team, deployed to assist the Herkimer County Office of Emergency Management with the response to flooding resulting from a severe storm system that moved through the area.

Lt. Evans assists in Herkimer County

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PSB

The Professional Standards Bureau (PSB) has a wide range of responsibilities that further the mission of Division. It is divided into two sections: An investigative section and an audit section.

Investigative Section

One of the primary responsibilities of the PSB is to ensure the prompt and thorough investigation of allegations of misconduct by NYSP employees. In 2019, the PSB Investigative Section conducted 456 investigations with the final determination as follows:

FINAL DETERMINATION NUMBER OF INVESTIGATIONS CLOSED BY INVESTIGATION 113 FOUNDED 176 UNFOUNDED 81 UNSUBSTANTIATED 49 PENDING 37 TOTAL 456

PSB staff also respond to critical incidents with troop and field command supervisory personnel. A critical incident is defined as any action by a sworn member that results in serious physical injury or death to another person or member.

Audit Section

The internal audit process is considered an essential tool for government accountability. The current internal audit process allows us to comply with the mandates of the Internal Control Act by obtaining, analyzing and evaluating information concerning the operations, administration and management of any troop, zone, station, detail or section. This process helps identify strengths and weaknesses, and leads to instructions, recommendations, and/or suggestions to improve Division’s performance. In 2019, the PSB Audit Section conducted 23 Division-level audits and 17 Quality Control audits.

To maximize the success of our zero tolerance policy regarding illegal drug use and drug/substance abuse, the Division randomly screens all sworn members using urinalysis and hair testing methods. The Division’s testing standards have been designed to ensure the member’s personal confidentiality and dignity is maintained, while simultaneously safeguarding the screening process. In 2019, the PSB Audit Section conducted a total of 1,749 urine tests and 588 hair tests broken down as follows:

Tests Administered Urine Tests Hair Tests Member Random Drug Tests 1,177 16 Probationary Trooper Tests 329 329 Recruit Trooper Tests 243 243 Total 1749 588

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PSB (continued)

Early Intervention Program

The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a progressive, remedial program, conducted under the oversight of the Chief Inspector. It is a two-phase process, designed to identify Members who demonstrate a pattern of conduct in need of improvement. The program provides support to Members in the form of counseling, re-training, re-orientation, or increased supervision. The EIP provides these resources with the intent to prevent minor professional or personnel issues from becoming a larger concern.

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Underwater Recovery Team

The New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team is the oldest public safety dive team in the United States. Operating since 1932, its 65 members are spread out over eight troops in upstate New York. The NYSP Dive Team is also the largest in the country and regularly provides specialized services to communities and law enforcement agencies across the state and the Northeast. The URT saw some significant changes in 2019, including overseeing Marine Patrol statewide, and its involvement in the statewide Swift-water Rescue Task Force.

Throughout 2019, the NYSP URT conducted 289 recovery and training missions with over 1,200 dives. Divers statewide recovered 10 victims, 14 pieces of evidence, four vehicles, six weapons. Forty-eight community service initiatives were also conducted. On 37 occasions, the NYSP URT assisted outside agencies with underwater recoveries. April 2019 – The NYSP URT completed all three phases of airboat training, with 36 members being fully trained as airboat operators. The training consisted of 2 ½ weeks of training, with the final week of the training on the upper Hudson River in North Creek, NY, which required an extremely high level of expertise. Forty- three members also attended swift water technician training at the State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany, May 2019 – While preparing the boat for shoreline flooding marine patrol on Lake Ontario, Troop E’s Senior Diver was approached by a civilian reporting two subjects in the water. The civilian helped launch the NYSP boat, and the member was able to URT Trains on the Hudson River respond to the capsized boat and rescue both subjects from the 50-degree water. June 2019 – The Troop G URT was requested to assist with a commercial diver death investigation at a power plant. A large contingency of divers from Troop G, F, K, D, and B responded to conduct further investigation into the cause of death. An underwater drop camera was utilized with negative results. An ROV was then deployed and tended by divers on Surface Supply. The URT was able to provide a possible theory that caused the death of the commercial diver. July 2019 – The Troop D URT was requested to assist with a drowning on Oneida Lake. While conducting search operations in the Sylvan Beach area, a second drowning was reported at the opposite end of the lake, in Onondaga. URT members then responded to assist the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department. While conducting SONAR operations URT members located the victim in Onondaga County and recovered the victim. October 2019 – Troop D URT assisted with flooding in Herkimer County. Members recovered one drowning victim swept away in flood waters and rescued four residents trapped in their residence. URT Members were also staged at numerous locations throughout the state for a swift-water rescue response.

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SIU Felony Charges 554

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) conducts and Currency Seized $6,598,666 supports investigations requiring specialized investigative techniques, including surveillance (physical Vehicles Seized 8 and electronic), undercover operations, and the use of Firearms Seized 65 informants; these investigations are often long-term and multi-jurisdictional. Stolen Vehicles Recovered 91

February 2019 - Members of SIU Valhalla-Money Laundering Unit (MLU) and DEA-Group 43 received information an unknown male entered the passenger screening area of the Westchester County Airport carrying a backpack and a hard-sided roller bag. A canine alerted on both bags. A check of the backpack revealed it contained approximately $200,000 in cash. The subject told security he did not have the key and was unable to open the roller bag. He was not permitted to pass the checkpoint and left the airport with both bags. Investigators located the building the man entered after leaving the airport. A surveillance detail discovered the apartment the man entered was vacant and being used as a ‘stash house’. A total of $1,426,496 was seized from luggage and duffle bags inside the MLU Cash Seizure apartment. The MLU was responsible for the seizure of $5,167,604 in 2019 as a result of their investigations into money laundering organizations.

January 2019 – Three New York men are charged with Enterprise Corruption and Promoting Gambling 1st degree following a joint investigation by SIU-Valhalla, Rockland County DA Intelligence Center, town of Clarkstown Police Department and the FBI. The investigation targeted a multi-faceted gambling and loan- shark operation involving known crime family, Luchese LCN. The gambling operation involved an offshore bookmaking operation with over 1,000 gambling customers. $1.3 million dollars in US currency was seized as a result of this investigation.

March 2019 - Members of SIU Buffalo and Office of the Inspector General of the Federal Social Security Administration arrested eight subjects after a 16-month long identity theft investigation. All were charged with Scheme to Defraud 1st degree, Identity Theft 1st degree and other associated charges. The investigation revealed a suspect obtained social security numbers from juveniles throughout the United States and sold the information to the other suspects, who used it to fraudulently obtain credit to purchase cars, jewelry, appliances and other items. The total loss as a result of the fraudulent purchases was $420,000. Efforts are being made with the major credit bureaus to repair the credit of the children who had their Social Security numbers stolen.

April 2019 - A joint, long term investigation conducted by SIU and the NYS Comptroller led to the arrest of the Pharsalia Town Supervisor after he stole more than $123,000 in town funds to pay credit card bills, and padded his salary $20,000 a year. The suspect used the town’s credit card to spend at least $123,273 to fund vacations in Myrtle Beach and New York City, living expenses for home renovations, fees for PayPal, Amazon and iTunes, as well as designer handbags, liquor and cooking classes. The investigation also

22 revealed that the supervisor allegedly used town funds to pay his home telephone, internet and electric bills.

SORT

The Special Operations Response Team (SORT) supports the New York State Police with a tactical response to critical events and other specialized assignments within the state of New York. SORT duties include operations involving counter-terrorism, disaster relief, hostage rescue, clandestine labs, high risk/violent felony arrests, searching for escapees and wanted persons, searching for lost or injured hikers, civil disturbance, high angle rope rescue, tactical patrol, barricaded persons, and high-risk dignitary protection and escort.

The Special Operations Response Team was created in 1980 to provide a tactical response element for the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. There are currently five regional teams: Capital, North Central, South Central, South and West. The teams are a full-time asset, providing their specialized services to communities and law enforcement agencies across the state. Each Troop also has .308 Riflemen, who are available to work with the SORT in certain critical incidents. In addition to the .308 Riflemen, each Troop also has enhanced canine handlers who are cross trained to assist SORT in a variety of situations, along with their canine partners. Special Operations Response Team duties include, but are not limited to:

• Counter Terrorism Operations • Disaster Relief Operations • Hostage Rescue • Clandestine Labs • High Risk/Violent Felony Arrests • Manhunts/ Searches • High Angle Rope Rescue • Event Security • Barricaded Suspects • High Risk Dignitary Protection

February 2019 – SORT assisted narcotics investigators with the simultaneous execution of three no-knock search warrants in Onondaga County. As a result, investigators located and seized two kilograms of heroin, $78,000 in U.S. currency, three bags of high-end jewelry, thirteen cars and two jet skis.

July 2019 – SORT assisted with providing security elements and over watch positions for the annual Baseball Hall of Fame, Parade of Legends and Induction Ceremony located in Otsego County. The event attracted approximately 55,000 attendees as well as high profile athletes and public officials.

October 2019 – SORT conducted a readiness exercise at Fort Drum. In an effort to support the Police Department’s ability to respond to high risk threats on the base, SORT entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Army to provide critical incident response to the base. The exercise tested the ability of SORT to respond to the base, form a unified command and relieve or support personnel at the scene. The exercise was viewed as a success and resulted in SORT, along with Troop D, being presented with the “2019 Army-Community Partnership Award” at the Pentagon in Washington DC.

November 2019 – SORT assisted uniform and BCI members from Troop A in Allegany County with a 15- hour manhunt and arrest of a subject who killed his parents approximately two weeks earlier. SORT entered

23 and cleared multiple residences and hunting cabins in the area of the crime and provided security for K9 members while they conducted a track. The suspect ultimately surrendered to perimeter patrols.

Arrests 5,453 Troop A Calls for Service 60,472 Accidents 5,619 Total Vehicle and Traffic Tickets 88,170 Distracted Driving Tickets 2,960 Move Over Tickets 820

Troop A serves Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties in the western portion of New York State.

February 2019 - SP Lockport troopers responded to a parking lot in Newfane for a man allegedly kidnapped and tied up in his vehicle. Further investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation revealed the 60-year-old suspect fabricated a kidnapping story because he owed $50,000 payouts for a Super Bowl pool he was running, and didn’t have the money. The suspect was arrested for Scheme to Defraud 1st and Falsely Reporting an Incident.

May 2019- SP Collins responded to a violent domestic. The suspect placed a knife to the victim’s throat, then fled prior to patrol’s arrival. Responding troopers used stored Man fabricates kidnapping in Newfane. GPS locations in the victim’s cell phone to locate an address the victim and suspect frequented together. That information was turned over to SP Fredonia, who responded and took the suspect into custody, charging him with Menacing 2nd degree.

August 2019- Troopers were dispatched to a residence in the town of Villenova to assist Chautauqua County Probation with an arrest warrant. As troopers approached, probation officers ran outside, screaming a rifle had been pointed at them. An armed subject was in the residence with his sister. State Police set up a command post and Crisis Negotiator Investigators responded, along with SORT. Crisis Negotiation Investigators were able to make contact with the subject by cell and, after multiple phone calls, the subject exited the residence with his hands up and taken into custody. The sister was located inside, unharmed.

November 2019- SP Amity responded to a structure fire in the town of Clarksville after the fire department discovered two

24 bodies. Further investigation by the BCI revealed a 17-year-old who lived at the home called 911 from a neighbor’s residence but was not at the scene when t roopers arrived. Due to the information given by firefighters, it was apparent the victims were dead before the fire. Multiple agencies searched the wooded, rural area for hours and located the teenage suspect. The suspect was eventually arrested for two counts of Murder 2nd degree and two counts of Manslaughter 1st degree. The victims were his parents.

Troop B Arrests 4,742 Calls for Service 35,579 Accidents 6,245 Total Vehicle and Traffic Tickets 65,485 Distracted Driving Tickets 1,267 Move Over Tickets 1,229

Troop B serves counties in the northern portion of New York State including Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, St. Lawrence counties.

March 2019 - SP Keeseville responded to a one-car motor vehicle crash in the town of Black Brook, where it was reported the operator was intoxicated and injured. An investigation revealed the operator in the accident shot and killed a woman and fled the scene armed with a rifle. The suspect was located and charged with Murder 2nd degree. He was later sentenced to 25 years to life.

June 2019 - Troopers responded to a report of two-vehicle crash involving a commercial vehicle and a passenger car. Victims were reported to be trapped in the vehicles and the commercial vehicle was on fire. Responding troopers assisted the occupants of the car until fire and EMS arrived. An off-duty trooper rushed to the commercial vehicle that was on fire and overturned in a river. He located the driver clinging to the cab of the truck and assisted him to safety.

June 2019 - Troop B VGNET members became involved in an investigation of two subjects in the town of Waddington in possession of 146 pounds of prescription alprazolam (Xanax). It was determined the suspects had flown from North Carolina to retrieve the pills from a warehouse on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation. The medications had been smuggled across the St. Lawrence River from Canada, and were to be mailed

25 back to North Carolina in multiple, smaller packages for resale. Both suspects were charged with Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance 4th degree.

July 2019 - A local Boy Scout camp contacted the State Police and reported the firearms instructor at the camp was forcibly touching juvenile campers. Numerous victims were involved, ranging in age from 12- 14. The male suspect was arrested for two counts of Sexual Abuse 1st degree, one count of Forcible Touching, and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Troop C Arrests 3,414 Calls for Service 51,143 Accidents 6,522 Total Vehicle and Traffic Tickets 71,640 Distracted Driving Tickets 1,607 Move Over Tickets 1,356

Troop C serves Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga, and Tompkins Counties.

January 2019- Trooper Tim Conklin observed a reported stolen vehicle on State Route 17 in the town of Kirkwood. He attempted a traffic stop, the suspect took off, then came to an abrupt stop, getting out of the car and firing at Trooper Conklin with a semi-automatic rifle. Trooper Conklin returned fire, killing the suspect. Trooper Conklin sustained minor injuries and three weeks later, returned to duty. In February, the Broome County District Attorney announced Trooper Conklin was legally justified in using deadly physical force.

May 2019- SP Owego troopers were dispatched to a home in Apalachin for a report of a male shot during a home invasion. The victim later died. After an investigation, one suspect was taken into custody by a local sheriff’s deputy, a second suspect was on a bus traveling to New York City when he was arrested by local police and troopers in Sullivan County. Over the following weeks, a total of five people were charged with Murder 2nd degree. Four were additionally charged with Burglary 1st degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.

June 2019- SP Owego troopers were dispatched to check on an 8-month old child, last seen with her father, missing from a motel in the town of Tioga. Minutes later, troopers were dispatched to a naked male near the motel. Troopers determined the man, the baby’s father, had thrown the infant into a nearby pond. A trooper swam out to rescue the infant and immediately initiated CPR, she later died at a local hospital. The father was arrested and charged with Murder 1st degree. Two other individuals face drug charges after investigators learned they supplied the father with drugs.

October 2019- SP Oneonta troopers were dispatched to a residence in the town of Worcester for a reported house fire with a person shot inside. A trooper pulled the victim out of the burning home, but realized he was deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. Two children, ages five and 12, had been removed from the residence by the perpetrators and were unharmed. After a joint investigation, a 15- year-old, a 16-year-old, 17-year-old and 32-year-old were charged with Murder 2nd degree and Burglary 1st degree. Two other teens, ages 16 and 17, were charged with Burglary 1st degree.

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November 2019- Sergeant Rob Bloom III, a drummer in the NYSP Pipes and Drums, was on his way to perform at the Broome County Police Academy graduation when he saw a home was on fire in the Apalachin area. When he arrived on scene, Bloom learned that a bedridden man was trapped inside. He and two civilians entered the burning home and successfully lifted the man into a wheelchair, rescuing him to safety. All of the men were transported to area hospitals for smoke inhalation and released.

Arrests 5,456 Troop D Calls for Service 82,243 Accidents 9,074 Total Vehicle and Traffic Tickets 89,123 Distracted Driving Tickets 3,338 Move Over Tickets 1,227

Troop D serves Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, and Oswego Counties.

March 2019 – Trooper Cody Henderson, SP Lafayette, observed a man on a bridge in the city of Syracuse, looking over the guide-rail at the Interstate below. Trooper Henderson established a rapport, learning that the man was suicidal. When the individual became distracted, Trooper Henderson was able to grab the man and pull him away from the guide rail, preventing him from jumping to his death.

September 2019 – SP Remsen responded to a residence in the village of Boonville for a physical domestic. When troopers arrived, they located a 31-year-old-male victim with multiple stab wounds. He was airlifted to Upstate University Hospital where he died. Two other victims, also stabbed, were transported with non-life-threatening injuries. A 30-year-old male, who resided at the home, was charged nd nd with Murder 2 degree and Assault 2 degree.

August 2019 - SP Marcy patrols responded to State Route 12 in the city of Utica to assist with traffic after the roadway flooded over. Trooper Joseph P. Lomonico, SP Marcy, observed nine vehicles stranded in the passing lane and three vehicles completely submerged. Trooper Lomonico waded through the water to check on each operator of the vehicles before rescuing two of the five drivers. Trooper Lomonico and NYSDOT worker Kevin O. Kalk then assisted three other occupants out of their vehicles.

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October 2019 - The U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office requested assistance with a narcotics investigation at the Main Post Office in Syracuse, NY. Trooper Eric Knapp with K9 Scotty conducted a canine narcotics sniff of two suspicious packages. K9 Scotty alerted to both packages and a search warrant was obtained. Both packages were opened and contained over $77,000 cash. Both packages were packed similarly in $2,000 bundles, wrapped in clear plastic wrap, covered in duct tape, sprayed with a lemon scent distraction odor, placed within a plastic airtight container, wrapped in duct tape and placed within a bubble wrap filled postal box. The cash, which is believed to be from illegal narcotics sales, was meticulously packaged in an attempt to avoid detection.

Arrests 6,587 Troop E Calls for Service 69,543 Accidents 8,331 Total Vehicle and Traffic Tickets 98,359 Distracted Driving Tickets 2,677 Move Over Tickets 1,286

Troop E serves Cayuga, Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates Counties.

March 2019 – The Irondequoit Police Department requested assistance from the Troop E Violent Crimes Investigative Team with a homicide. On March 22, Irondequoit Police located an elderly female inside of her residence, deceased at the bottom of her basement stairs with multiple injuries. Evidence at the scene indicated some of the victim’s personal property had been stolen. After several weeks of intensive investigative efforts on the part of the NYSP, the victim’s 38-year old nephew was arrested for her murder.

April 2019 – SP North Hornell and SP Bath troopers responded to a report of numerous shots fired in the town of Avoca. Troopers responded and interviewed a man who admitted to shooting behind his house. When the man invited the troopers inside to see the firearm used, they observed firearms not in compliance with the SAFE Act, and drugs. After the execution of a search warrant, numerous firearms, high capacity magazines, marijuana, THC oil, THC wax and other narcotics were seized, as well as several items reported stolen from larcenies and burglaries. An investigation determined the man was selling illegally obtained firearms, stolen property and narcotics from his residence.

August 2019 - Troop E Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team initiated an investigation involving the trafficking of large amounts of Fentanyl in Rochester. As the result of undercover buys and the investigation,, VGNET members, along with the Special Operations Response Team, executed a no- knock search warrant at a residence in Rochester. More than 400 grams of Fentanyl, 180 grams of Cocaine, 180 grams of Heroin, a loaded, .40 caliber handgun and approximately $46,812 in cash was seized. The approximate street value of the drugs was more than $40,000.

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November 2019 –SP Canandaigua responded to assist with a person injury auto accident on State Route 5 and 20 in the city of Canandaigua. A motorist directed the trooper to a steep embankment where he saw a vehicle in flames, with a man inside. The trooper, with the help of a Canandaigua Police Officer and an uninvolved motorist, pulled the man out of the vehicle just before it became fully engulfed in flames.

2019 – The SP Rochester G.I.V.E. (Gun Involved Violence Elimination) detail works to stem the flow of gun violence and related illegal activity in the northeast sector of the city of Rochester. The detail is currently comprised of six full-time troopers, including a State Police K9, to assist with specific investigation/arrests. The detail works closely with the Rochester Police Department and the United States Marshal Service. Enforcement efforts resulted in the seizure of 29 illegal guns from their assigned area. The G.I.V.E. detail also made 394 drug interdiction arrests, which included 122 for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree and 99 Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree arrests. Their efforts resulted in a total of 358 Felony arrests, 284 Misdemeanor arrests, and 2,654 traffic tickets issued.

Arrests 10,025 Troop F Calls for Service 81,388 Accidents 7,599 Total Vehicle and Traffic Tickets 108,871 Distracted Driving Tickets 4,567 Move Over Tickets 1,695

Troop F serves Greene, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties.

March 2019- SP Middletown BCI investigated the hit-and-run death of a female on ST-211 in the village of Otisville. The investigation determined she had been struck by a vehicle as she walked along the roadway the night before. Members of SP Middletown, Troop F FIU, and Troop F CCU,] quickly determined a dark-colored pickup truck struck the victim. Over the next two weeks, BCI members conducted numerous interviews and collected video footage from several locations. On April 16, 2019, a suspect was identified, interviewed and ultimately admitted to striking the victim. He has since pled guilty to the crime and was sentenced to state prison.

July 2019 -SP Middletown investigated the overdose death of a male in the town of Minisink. An investigation identified a suspect who supplied the deceased with a heroin/fentanyl mix. Troop F Violent Gang Narcotics Enforcement Team ultimately opened a drug investigation focusing on heroin sales in the Port Jervis area. State police identified numerous suspects over the next two months, and undercover members purchased a large quantity of the drug from four suspects. One suspect resided in and sold drugs from a location in New Jersey, and the Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force was asked to join the investigation. The investigation culminated in the execution of search warrants and with four suspects being arrested and indicted in the Southern District of New York. The main target, was additionally indicted by a federal grand jury for causing the death of the victim.

October 2019- SP Monroe Bureau of Criminal Investigation was assigned to investigate a fatal hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on State Route 9W in the town of Highlands. As a result of the evidence left

29 behind at the scene and the review of video surveillance from the Bear Mountain Bridge, a vehicle and suspect were developed, less than 24 hours after the accident. Troop F BCI developed a lead the suspect was in Westchester County, New York, and located the vehicle hidden behind the suspect’s relative’s residence. After interviewing the relatives of the suspect, the suspect driver was located and arrested.

December 2019- SP Monroe Bureau of Criminal Investigation was assigned to investigate a homicide in the village of Chester. A male victim was located, bound and beaten in a residential neighborhood. As a result of the investigation, Troop F BCI and the village of Chester Police Department developed four suspects in the case. All four suspects were arrested for murder less than 24 hours after BCI was assigned to investigate the case.

December 2019- SP Liberty patrols responded to a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Patrols located a vehicle down a 10-foot embankment, on its side, and partially submerged in a river with three occupants. Troopers broke the sunroof glass, gaining access and allowing the extraction of the occupants. With the help of the Livingston Manor and Roscoe Rockland Fire Department, the victims were removed from the water to safety.

Arrests 10,139 Troop G Calls for Service 70,929 Accidents 9,065 Total Vehicle and Traffic Tickets 97,757 Distracted Driving Tickets 3,977 Move Over Tickets 1,418

Troop G serves Albany, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington Counties.

January 2019- SP Mayfield troopers responded to a home in the town of Mayfield for a structure fire. When they arrived, the front of the residence was engulfed in flames and onlookers advised there was someone still inside. As troopers went to the back of structure, they could hear someone moaning and made entry through a rear door, entering the smoke- filled home. Once inside they located a 78-year-old female laying on the floor and pulled her from the building.

January 2019- In the early morning hours of January 25, eight vessels broke loose from their moorings near the city of Troy, and floated down the Hudson River. Major roadways were shut down and railway services suspended, as the vessels approached bridges spanning the waterway. The vessels were eventually secured in the Port of Albany, but not before one of the loose vessels, a cruise ship, struck the Livingston Rail Bridge, requiring two tugboats to free it.

July 2019- SP Saratoga responded to a home in the town of Malta for a victim with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. When troopers 30 arrived, they found the victim semi-conscious and bleeding profusely from the arm after accidentally discharging his handgun. To stop any further loss of blood, the troopers quickly applied a tourniquet to the victim’s arm and provided medical assistance until EMS arrived. The victim was treated at a local hospital and survived. The troopers were credited with saving his life.

August 2019- Troopers from Troop G and C, were contacted regarding a herd of 75 loose bison roaming the fields and forest areas on the Schoharie County-Otsego County line near the Town of Sharon. The bison, who belonged to a local farmer, got out after one of the animals broke through their paddock. It took a month and assistance from multiple agencies to finally secure the animals who continually evaded attempts to corral them.

October 2019- State Police were asked to assist Gloversville Police Department with the investigation into the disappearance of 22-year-old Allyzibeth Lamont, who failed to return home from work. The next day, she was located deceased in a wooded area off Interstate 87 in the town of Malta, and State Police assumed the investigation. Lamont died from blunt force trauma to the head. Uniform and BCI members followed numerous leads and physical evidence, which ultimately led to the arrest of two men. Both men were charged with Murder in the 2nd degree and Concealment of a Human Corpse.

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Troop K Arrests 7,424 Calls for Service 81,962 Accidents 8,471 Total Vehicle and Traffic Tickets 109,918 Distracted Driving Tickets 3,360 Move Over Tickets 1,802

Troop K serves Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester Counties.

March 2019- Troopers responded to a residence in Pleasant Valley for a home invasion. An investigation determined a male and a female co-conspirator broke into the victim’s residence, and accused a victim of sexually assaulting the female suspect before realizing they were at the wrong house. The suspects threatened to cut off the victim’s fingers if he called 911, then fled the scene. Investigators identified and located the suspects the following day. They were arrested for Burglary 1st degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Conspiracy.

September 2019- Troopers responded to an unknown disturbance in Wappinger. Upon arrival, an armed female stated her husband was in the house and had threatened to kill their children. Troopers disarmed the female and the male suspect opened the front door, letting the children out. He retreated inside and fired multiple shots at patrols. Troopers were able to secure the victims and get them to a safe location. One Trooper suffered a bullet wound to his arm during the exchange. After seven hours, the suspect was taken into custody, and charged with Attempted Murder 1st degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd degree.

December 2019- State Police in Cortlandt extradited and arrested a man located in Florida for rape. In September 2017, the victim reported a man they thought was a taxi driver agreed to take them to Saratoga from New York City. While northbound on the Taconic State Parkway, the driver pulled the vehicle off the roadway and forcibly raped the victim before fleeing the scene. Investigators located the suspect in Florida, he was extradited and arrested for Rape 1st degree, Criminal Sex Act and Forcible Touching.

October 2019- SP Livingston responded to a Halloween party in the town of Copake. Witnesses stated four unknown males entered the party, instigated a fight and one gunman shot a victim multiple times. Responding troopers rendered aid and assisted EMS who transported the victim to Albany Medical Center. An investigation led to the arrest of one suspect for Attempted Murder 2nd degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm 2nd degree.

April 2019- Troop K Major Crimes Unit solved a cold case homicide dating back to September 2005. A female victim was found deceased on the side of the Sprain Brook Parkway in Westchester County, strangled to death. Biological evidence on her body connected her to another female homicide victim investigated by the NYPD. Troop K MCU and the NYPD began a joint investigation, which them to Florida, where the suspect was located. With assistance from local authorities, the suspect was arrested and later indicted in New York for Murder 1st degree, Murder 2nd degree and Rape 1st degree. Additionally, Investigator Eugene Donnelly, Troop K MCU, was awarded the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation’s 2019 Investigator of the Year award.

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Troop L Arrests 1,213 Calls for Service 27,313 Accidents 8,946 Total Vehicle and Traffic Tickets 71,005 Distracted Driving Tickets 3,394 Move Over Tickets 865

Troop L serves Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island.

A two year-long investigation resulted in the arrest of 96 MS-13 gang members. The investigation identified seven murder plots, preventing them before they could be carried out. The investigation was headed by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, with federal, state, county and local law enforcement. This is the largest known takedown of MS-13 in New York history, and involved alleged murder conspiracies, drug trafficking, weapons possession and sales, gang violence, and other offenses.

A year-long, multi-agency investigation resulted in seven individuals being charged and arrested for Grand Larceny, Money Laundering and Scheme to Defraud. Thirty-five victims were identified with total losses of more than two million dollars. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and federal, state county and local law enforcement.

Throughout 2019, Troop L successfully planned and deployed numerous large scale events on Long Island. These events attracted hundreds of thousands of attendees including the Jones Beach Airshow, Belmont Stakes and PGA Golf Championship at Bethpage State Park.

January 2019- An impaired male driver lost control of his vehicle on the Meadowbrook State Parkway, striking a male pedestrian who later died. The suspect was indicted on charges of Manslaughter, Vehicular Manslaughter 2nd degree, Assault 2nd degree and Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs.

February 2019- Brentwood Troopers responded to a road rage incident with shots fired on the Southern State Parkway. The suspect pulled out a gun and fired several rounds, hitting another vehicle. The victim followed the male suspect until troopers initiated a traffic stop and found the driver in possession of a semi-automatic pistol. He was arrested on multiple charges including Reckless Endangerment 1st degree and Criminal Mischief 2nd degree.

August 2019- Riverside troopers were dispatched after a male suspect entered a residence on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation, shooting a victim three times. Troopers performed CPR, but the victim later died. An investigation identified a male suspect and that he fled to North Carolina. He was located and extradited back to New York and charged with Murder 2nd degree and Burglary 1st degree.

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Troop NYC Arrests 841 Calls for Service 8,095 Accidents 563 Total Vehicle and Traffic Tickets 50,806 Distracted Driving Tickets 2,245 Move Over Tickets 204

Troop NYC serves New York City.

January 2019 - New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Groups Z-13, Z-41, Z-43, Z-52, identified a subject who was transporting large amounts of narcotics in a tractor trailer in the vicinity of Morristown, NJ. Following a consent search, 15 kilograms of heroin and five kilograms of cocaine were found to be concealed within two duffel bags located in the rear of the trailer.

March 2019 - Members of SP Manhattan BCI assisted the Bronx County District Attorney's Office with a large-scale identity theft ring. The suspects were found to have stolen personal identifying information and created, exchanged and sold fraudulent documents. Ultimately, search warrants yielded a loaded, defaced handgun, $4,600 cash and over 100 forged instruments, belonging to over 25 victims.

April 2019 – SP Staten Island stopped a man for driving while using his cell phone. The man was extremely nervous and the trooper smelled the strong odor of marijuana from inside the car. When the trooper searched the car, he found 13 plastic bags containing marijuana, 25 “Kingpens”, 1000 milligrams of marijuana oil, and 140 loose marijuana cigarettes. The marijuana found in the car totaled over 15 pounds, and $6,000 in cash was also seized. The man was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana in the 1st degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 4th and 5th degrees.

June 2019 - New York Drug Enforcement Task Force Group T-11, received information that an international shipment of goods traveling to the Port of Philadelphia, PA, included a large quantity of illegal narcotics. The search of numerous marine vessels ultimately resulted in the seizure of approximately 15,582 kilograms of cocaine and the arrest of the four crew members.

March 2019 - Members of SP Manhattan BCI assisted the Bronx County District Attorney's Office with a large-scale identity theft ring. The suspects were found to have stolen personal identifying information and created, exchanged and sold fraudulent documents. Ultimately, search warrants yielded a loaded, defaced handgun, $4,600 cash and over 100 forged instruments, belonging to over 25 victims.

June 2019 - SP Queens BCI was monitoring the Child Protection System which revealed an IP address registered in South Ozone Park, NY was downloading images of child pornography. On October 24, 2019, SP Queens BCI executed a search warrant and arrested the suspect for six counts of Promoting Sexual

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Performance of a Child under 17 years of age and three counts of Possession of Sexual Performance by a Child.

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Arrests 2,229 0 Troop T Calls for Service 43,828 112 Troop T serves the New York State Accidents 10,542 0 Thruway from New York City to Western New York. Total Vehicle and Traffic Tickets 134,934 4 Distracted Driving Tickets 4,137 0

Move Over Tickets 3,622 0

January 2019 –SP Tarrytown responded to a property damage accident on I-87. One subject was arrested on multiple charges when it was determined that he menaced the other driver with a knife and hammer, and prevented them from leaving. An inventory of the vehicle also led to the seizure of an illegal handgun.

February 2019 –SP Tarrytown conducted a traffic stop on I-95 which led to the seizure of 5.2 pounds of heroin and the arrest of two subjects for felony charges.

March 2019 –SP Schuyler conducted a traffic stop on I-90 and with the assistance of VGNET, resulted in an arrest for possession of over 300 grams of heroin and approximately 500 glassine envelopes containing heroin.

April 2019 –SP Buffalo conducted a traffic stop on I-90, of a vehicle involved in a kidnapping from Cleveland, Ohio. The male operator was transported to jail to await extradition after Cleveland PD confirmed he was wanted for kidnapping, felony assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. A mother and her five children, six months to seven years old, were taken against their will and had no provisions. Several Members purchased clothing and food from a local store, while others brought in supplies and toys from home while off duty, to provide for the victims until they were reunited with family.

April 2019 –SP Newburgh conducted a traffic stop on I-87 which led to the seizure of 1.2 pounds of crack- cocaine, 14.2 ounces of heroin/fentanyl, an additional 1.6 ounces of crack cocaine, and the felony arrests of two subjects.

April 2019 – SP Albany conducted a traffic stop on I-87 which resulted in an arrest for possession of over 3 pounds of cocaine.

June 2019 –SP Albany, responded to a road rage incident on the Berkshire Spur section of I-90. An investigation resulted in the arrest of a tractor trailer driver for possessing a loaded Smith & Wesson 9 mm and menacing another driver.

July 2019 –SP Albany, utilizing a SP canine, conducted a traffic stop on I-87 which resulted in an arrest for possession of 32.6 grams of crack cocaine, 2.9 grams of ketamine, and three grams of marijuana.

August 2019 –SP Syracuse conducted a traffic stop on I-90 and determined the driver was wanted for grand larceny. The driver was arrested for possessing over $3,000 of stolen merchandise from Dick’s Sporting Goods in Syracuse.

November 2019 –SP Henrietta, conducted a traffic stop on I-90 which resulted in an arrest for possession of 11.2 ounces of marijuana and an illegally possessed loaded .45 caliber handgun.

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2019 Statistics

Uniform Activity Uniform Responses 616,495 Uniform Arrests: Total Felony, Misd & Violations 57,523 Vehicle and Traffic Stats Traffic Tickets Issued 986,068 Speeding Tickets 348,670 Safety Retraints 46,100 DWI Arrests 12,372 Collision Investigations Conducted 81,003 Collision Result of Distracted Driving 3,913 Collision Result of Alcohol 2,045 Collision Result of Speed 16,095 Fatal Accidents Investigated 183 Distracted Driving Tickets--Cell Phone 13,804 Distracted Driving Tickets--Texting 19,725 Move Over Law Tickets 15,524

Commercial Vehicle Activity Vehicles Weighed 63,192 Vehicles Inspected 88,879 Inspection Violations 17,470 A.E.D. / Naloxone A.E.D. Usages 300 Field Saves (patient did not live past 5 days) 17 Full Reversals (patient recovered-stable) 14 Naloxone Usage 215 Subjects Responsive after Naloxone Use 178 Aviation Exec Transport 195 ENCON 123 Medivac 57 Law Enforcement 330

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2019 Statistics (continued)

Emergency Management - Special Operations Bomb Disposal Unit Responses 381 Special Operations Reponse Team Responses 318 SCUBA Unit Responses 289 K9 Unit Responses 9,975 NYSP EM Assist to Locals (SORT/SCUBA/CCERT) 903 Emergency Management - CCSERT Clandestine Drug Labs Investigated 296 Presentation/Outside Agency Training 0 Pistol Permit Bureau Law Guns Hotline 5,970

Computerized Ballistic Report Cartridge Cases Entered 1,904 Cartridge Case Hits 6 CNET Activity-Gun Investigation Unit Activity CNET Arrests 1,183 CNET Weapons Seized 306 Seized Assets - Drug Currency (CNET) $2,561,059 Seized Assets - Drug Vehicles (CNET) 59 Guns Seized Agency Wide Handguns Seized - agency wide 1,836 Long Gun Seized - agency wide 1,316 Assault Weapons Seized - agency wide 166 Total Guns Seized - agency wide 3,318 Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) CCU Regional Total 1,838 CCU Regional # Agencies Assisted 366 Computer Forensic Laboratory Cases Computer Forensic Laboratory Cases 257 Agency Assists 111 Internet Crimes Against Children Cases Internet Crimes Against Children Cases 3,519 ICAC Cybertips from NCMEC 5,382 Violent Crime Investigation Team VCIT Control Cases Adopted 103 VCIT Lead NYSP 643 VCIT Lead Non-NYSP Agency 449 Violent Felony Warrant Squad State Police warrants 155 Local/Other Agency Warrants 1,247 Out-of-state Warrants 103

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2019 Statistics (continued)

NYSIC Criminal Gun Clearing House Entries 3,119 Gang/Gang Members Placed in GRIP/VGTOF 975 Intelligence Bulletins / Advisories Disseminated 444 Gun Tip Line Calls 6 NYSIC - CTC Terrorist Tip Line Calls Received 228 Terrorists Case Investigations 63 BCI Violent Felony Arrests 423 Felony Cases Investigated 17,997

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