Protecting Middletown

At the heart of Middletown’s ongoing commitment to public safety is our dedicated police force and the partnerships we’ve built with law enforcement agencies at all levels. We are proud to report a significant decline in crime rates, a reflection of our proactive strategies, collaboration with community members, and support for our police officers. Our efforts are making Middletown safer, but we remain focused on continuous improvement to ensure lasting security for all our residents.

We have made strategic investments in neighborhood policing, youth outreach, and public safety programs. These efforts aim to foster stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community, creating a greater sense of safety and trust. Together, with the support of our residents and local leaders, we are working toward a more secure future.

While our progress is encouraging, we understand that challenges remain. We are committed to maintaining and enhancing these initiatives to continue improving public safety across Middletown.

While we take pride in our local efforts, there are important issues at the state level that impact our ability to ensure the safety of our residents. New York State's bail reform laws, enacted in 2020, were designed to reduce pretrial incarceration and address inequalities in the justice system. However, we are seeing unintended consequences that are affecting public safety, including increases in certain crimes like robbery and grand larceny.

In 2024, we witnessed 24 offenders arrested more than five times in our city, with one individual arrested 15 times. This is unacceptable, and we believe that reform is necessary to protect our communities. We are advocating for changes that restore judicial discretion, allowing judges to assess the threat to public safety when making bail decisions, and ensuring that offenders who pose a risk can be detained appropriately.

Another area of concern is legislation that would allow bail to be set for charges related to threats of mass harm against a school district. Given that Middletown has been a victim of such threats in recent years, we support measures that make these threats bail-eligible and ensure that school districts remain safe.

We recognize that collaboration is key to effective public safety. Under the leadership of Police Chief Ewanciw, we work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the NY State Police, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Safe Streets Taskforce, and the NYS Liquor Authority, among others. These partnerships allow our police department to tap into a broad network of resources, improving our ability to respond to crime and prevent criminal activity.

One significant initiative is the cooperation with the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center, where we have an officer assigned to provide our department with critical information and data. We also host the Orange County Police Chief’s Association training facility, which helps develop our future officers while benefiting our local youth through community engagement.

A crucial element of our public safety strategy is ensuring that our officers have the best tools and resources to perform their duties safely and effectively. This includes providing modern communication systems, body cameras, patrol vehicles, and life-saving protective gear. Through ongoing investments, we are enhancing officer safety, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring better protection for our residents.

We have been fortunate to receive significant support for these initiatives. Congressman Ryan’s $300,000 grant funded our camera project, while Senator Skoufis secured over $500,000 in state grants to enhance police services in our city. Assemblywoman Kay is also actively working to secure additional funding, and we are grateful for her efforts, as well as the ongoing collaboration between local, state, and federal representatives.

Public safety remains a top priority for our administration. Under Chief Ewanciw’s leadership, our police department is equipped with the latest tools and supported by strong community partnerships. Our officers are well-trained, well-respected, and committed to keeping Middletown a safer place for everyone.

As we move forward, we will continue to work with law enforcement to assess their needs and ensure they have the necessary resources to protect and serve our city. Together, we will create a safer, stronger community for all. Thank you to our police officers, Chief Ewanciw, and everyone involved in making Middletown a safer place to live, work, and thrive.