CARMEL, NY – Following a recent reported physical assault of a woman on the Putnam County Trailway in Carmel, County Executive Kevin Byrne has issued an Executive Order directing immediate measures to improve safety and security across the county’s trail system and other public spaces and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to public safety and the rule of law.

County Executive Byrne personally spoke at length with the victim earlier this week and assured the individual that he had already had multiple conversations with the Sheriff and law enforcement, and that the county would act swiftly and decisively to protect residents who use the trail. Earlier this week, Byrne signed an executive order further direction to county agencies to implement additional security enhancements to the trail, including but not limited to increased bike and UTV patrols as well as cameras at sensitive areas identified by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

Today Byrne joined Sheriff Brian Hess and other officials to survey multiple areas on the miles long Trailway that was identified as priorities for safety improvements.

“Our trails, parks, and public spaces should be welcoming places for recreation, not fear,” said County Executive Byrne. “Once again, we are taking decisive action to ensure that residents and families feel safe using our county’s outdoor amenities. This Executive Order makes clear that unlawful camping or squatting on county property will not be tolerated, and that law enforcement and social service agencies will continue to partner to address these issues humanely but firmly. Putnam County’s residents deserve no less.”

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