Westchester Police Boost Security for Religious Holidays

Increased patrols around houses of worship and gatherings during Ramadan, Passover, Lent and Easter

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Westchester County Police and its law enforcement partners will conduct heightened patrols around houses of worship and religious gatherings over the next two months as community members observe holy days during Ramadan, Passover, Lent and Easter. The increased security measures are part of Operation Safeguard, which aims to ensure the safety of religious institutions and mass gatherings during these observances.

Why it matters

Westchester County is home to a diverse array of faith communities, and law enforcement is taking proactive steps to protect residents' ability to observe their traditions safely and without fear. The increased security presence is a precautionary measure, as there are no known specific or credible threats at this time.

The details

As part of Operation Safeguard, County Police and municipal police partners will monitor social media and review intelligence information provided by federal and state agencies regarding potential threats. This information will be shared through the multi-agency Real Time Crime intelligence center housed at County Police headquarters in Hawthorne.

  • Increased patrols will take place over the next two months during Ramadan, Passover, Lent and Easter.
  • Operation Safeguard will be in effect throughout the religious observances.

The players

Ken Jenkins

A Westchester County official who stated that law enforcement will be on heightened alert during all major religious and secular holidays.

Terrance Raynor

The Westchester County Public Safety Commissioner, who said there are no known specific or credible threats at this time but that law enforcement is taking proactive measures out of an abundance of caution.

Westchester County Police

The law enforcement agency leading the increased security measures as part of Operation Safeguard, in coordination with municipal police partners.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As is customary during all major religious and secular holidays, law enforcement in Westchester will be on heightened alert.”

— Ken Jenkins (talkofthesound.com)

“Westchester County is proud of its diverse faith communities. We remain committed to ensuring that every resident can observe their traditions in peace and without fear.”

— Ken Jenkins (talkofthesound.com)

“We also encourage the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to their local police department.”

— Ken Jenkins (talkofthesound.com)

What’s next

Law enforcement will continue to monitor the situation and adjust security measures as needed throughout the religious observances.

The takeaway

Westchester County's diverse faith communities can observe their traditions safely and without fear, thanks to the proactive security measures taken by local law enforcement to protect houses of worship and religious gatherings during this important time.