Ulster County Sheriff's Office

Ulster County Sheriff's Office Ulster County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Juan J. Figueroa, Jr. Undersheriff James A. Mullen The Ulster County Sheriff's Office was established in 1661.

A Message from the Sheriff - It is the mission of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office to serve the public by enhancing our partnership with the community, and in so doing, protect life and property, prevent crime, solve problems and foster good will through courtesy and professionalism. The Ulster County Sheriff's Office shall maintain a correctional facility with the highest degree of security to

ensure the safety of the citizens, staff and inmates. The Sheriff of Ulster County is an elected official (4 year term) who is the chief law enforcement officer of the County and is the county's conservator of the peace in accordance with County Law section 650. The Ulster County Sheriff's Office is accredited by the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Council and is comprised of three main divisions: Criminal Division, Corrections Division and Civil Division. Criminal Division
Headquartered in the City of Kingston and located in the Hudson Valley of New York State, the Sheriff's Criminal Division provides proactive law enforcement services to the county's residents and visitors in 20 towns, 3 villages and the city of Kingston. Ulster County is comprised of 1,150 square miles with 2,200 miles of roadways, and a population of 182,493 (2010 Census). Corrections Division
The Sheriff is responsible for the custody, control and movement of inmates confined to the Ulster County Jail. Committed to the jail are prisoners who may be charged with any type of crime or violation, including homicide, r**e, DWI, trespass, etc. The Sheriff is responsible to assure that all prisoners are kept secure and properly cared for. He must continually conform to the rules and regulations set forth by NYS Correction Law and the New York State Correction Commission, such as providing contact visitation, education, and rehabilitation. Civil Division
The Civil Division is a state mandated service of the Sheriff's Office. Its purpose and function is to serve and execute the various legal processes issued not only by and for the several non-criminal courts of the state and its subdivisions, but also for the legal community and the general public. Departmental and divisional policies and procedures are consistent with New York State and court case law and are designed and developed to insure the accurate, expeditious, and judicious service and ex*****on of all matters relating to civil process. The rulings that apply include Civil Practice Law and Rules, Judiciary Law, Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL), and the Family Court Act (FCA). Annual Report

The Ulster County Sheriff's Office Annual Reports feature information on activities each department, including call, complaint, arrest, accident, and inmate statistics, investigations, advancements and awards. Our Agency Mission
It is the mission of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office to serve the public by enhancing our partnership with the community, and in so doing, protect life and property, prevent crime, solve problems and foster good will through courtesy and professionalism. Value Statements
In our continuing pursuit of excellence, we, the members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office, are dedicated to, and proudly promote:

Dignity
With confidence and pride in ourselves, we strive to remain compassionate and protect the rights of all citizens equally. Integrity
We will be responsible for our conduct, both professionally and personally. We will be fair, honest, courteous and show strength of character at all times. We hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of ethical conduct and strive to be role models for all. Professional Service
We recognize the trust the public places in us and we accept that responsibility. We are devoted to providing quality service and strive to remain effective, efficient and responsive to the changing needs of our community while providing a safe environment. Sworn or civilian, full-time or part-time, we are proud to belong to this agency and to promote these values.

FIELD TRAINING OFFICER SCHOOL GRADUATIONLast week our agency hosted a 4-day New York State Division of Criminal Justice ...
08/31/2026

FIELD TRAINING OFFICER SCHOOL GRADUATION

Last week our agency hosted a 4-day New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services certified Field Training Officer School. We send congratulations to all the students, who now will play an instrumental role in the training of new hires throughout the region. Participants joined us from our Criminal Division, Corrections Division, Town of New Paltz Police Department, Town of Olive Police Department, Town of Lloyd Police Department, Town of Plattekill Police Department, Town of Woodstock Police Department, Village of Ellenville Police Department, Village of Brewster Police Department and UIster County Probation.

08/28/2026

🚨🎒 JUST A COUPLE DAYS AWAY! 🎒🚨

The Ulster County Deputy Sheriff’s Police Benevolent Association’s 5th Annual Back to School Drive is happening THIS SUNDAY, August 30th, from 12 PM–3 PM at Barmann Park in Kingston! 📚✏️🖍️

We’re getting ready for an afternoon packed with FREE family fun and an opportunity to help local kids start the school year off right! 💙

🎒 Free school supplies for children who need them
🏀 Basketball tournament with Point God Academy
💈 Free haircuts for youth
🍦 Free ice cream from Mr. Ding-A-Ling
🎨 Face painting & glitter tattoos
🍽️ Food catered by Lo Lo’s Soul Food
🎬 PLUS — stick around for the City of Kingston Parks & Recreation Family Movie Night!

👧🧒 Children must be present to receive school supplies.

📍 Barmann Park
3 South Clinton Avenue, Kingston
🕛 12 PM–3 PM

Bring the kids, enjoy the afternoon, grab some school supplies, and help us kick off the new school year with a great community event! 🚓❤️📚

And the fun doesn’t have to end at 3 PM! Check out the details for Family Movie Night at Barmann Park here:

👉 https://www.facebook.com/kingstonparksrec/posts/-family-movie-night-is-coming-to-barmann-park-join-us-this-sunday-august-30th-fo/1511077691059023/

PLEASE SHARE so we can reach as many local families as possible! 🙌🎒

STOP DWI END OF SUMMER HIGH VISABILITY CAMPAIGNThe Ulster County Sheriff's Office will be participating in the statewide...
08/28/2026

STOP DWI END OF SUMMER HIGH VISABILITY CAMPAIGN

The Ulster County Sheriff's Office will be participating in the statewide STOP-DWI Labor Day/End of Summer "High Visibility Engagement Campaign". As we wrap up a wonderful summer, please remember to make good choices and designate a sober driver for a safe ride home.



STOP-DWI Impaired Driving LABOR DAY / END OF SUMMER High Visibility Engagement Campaign runs 8/19/26-9/7/26. County police agencies and STOP-DWI Coordinators will participate in special efforts to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign will start on 8/19/26 and will end on 9/7/26. Labor Day / End of Summer is one of the busiest travel times of the year and marks the official end of summer. New York State Police, County Sheriffs, municipal law enforcement agencies and local STOP-DWI Programs will collaborate across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to reduce the number of impaired driving-related injuries and deaths.



The STOP-DWI Labor Day / End of Summer High Visibility Engagement Campaign is one of many statewide initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The Statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign also targets Memorial Day, July 4th, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Holiday Season, Super Bowl weekend and St. Patrick’s Day. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.



You can help to make a difference by Having a Sober Plan! Download our mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning.

MARBLETOWN SUMMER CAMP VISITLast week, we had the privilege of visiting the Marbletown Summer Camp for a demonstration. ...
08/26/2026

MARBLETOWN SUMMER CAMP VISIT

Last week, we had the privilege of visiting the Marbletown Summer Camp for a demonstration. The campers and staff got to learn about our K-9 unit from Deputy Hassett and K-9 Howie, our In-Water Rescue Team from Deputy Steyer and Deputy Halwick and our UAS (drone) capabilities from Detective Swinden and Deputy Stoutenburgh. We certainly enjoyed ourselves and know the kids did also. Thank you for the invitation!

SCAM ALERTOur agency has received a report of scammers attempting to elicit payments under the guise of planning & zonin...
08/25/2026

SCAM ALERT

Our agency has received a report of scammers attempting to elicit payments under the guise of planning & zoning board variances. Should you be contacted by anyone and question the validity, especially that of a government or municipal agency, please contact them directly for clarification. Please be skeptical of anyone requesting money to be sent via apps such as Zelle, CashApp or Venmo or requesting you to meet with cash in seemingly obscure places.

08/24/2026

ULSTER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATES DOUBLE DEATH IN THE TOWN OF PLATTEKILL

On August 21, 2026, at approximately 11:42 p.m., members of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and Town of Plattekill Police Department responded to a residence on Milton Turnpike in the Town of Plattekill following a report of two individuals who had been found unconscious and unresponsive inside their home. Members of the New Paltz Rescue Squad and Clintondale Fire Department also responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, police and emergency medical service personnel determined that both individuals were deceased inside the residence. The investigation was subsequently turned over to the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, and detectives responded to conduct a death investigation.

The deceased were identified as Melinda Brugger, 54, and James Brugger, 66. The two were discovered by a family member and the family member’s friend, who immediately contacted 911.

During the preliminary investigation, detectives discovered evidence indicating that an attempt had been made to conceal and tamper with evidence at the scene. Investigators from the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Forensic Identification Unit, and Major Crimes Unit responded to assist with the investigation.

Detectives and investigators conducted an extensive examination of the residence and surrounding property, searching for, collecting, and analyzing physical evidence in an effort to establish the sequence of events.

As a result of the investigation, detectives determined that James Brugger murdered his wife, Melinda Brugger, by shooting her multiple times and then tampered with evidence at the scene and removed evidence from the residence in an effort to conceal his actions. He then took his own life by shooting himself. The motive for the killing appears to be the result of unresolved domestic issues.

The investigation was conducted with assistance from the Ulster County Medical Examiner’s Office, New York State Police, Orange County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, Town of Plattekill Police Department, and Ulster County District Attorney’s Office.

The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family, HealthAlliance Hospital, the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department, Plattekill Fire Department, Milton Fire Department, and the entire first responder community during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic loss.

Out of respect for the family and to protect their privacy, the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office will not be providing comment, answering questions, or responding to requests for additional information regarding this investigation.

State of New York Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence call 800-942-6906 or text 844-997-2121.

First responders seeking assistance can contact the Ulster County Officer Wellness Unit at [email protected] or call 845-475-7536.

DEATH INVESTIGATIONThe Ulster County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal ...
08/22/2026

DEATH INVESTIGATION

The Ulster County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Plattekill Police Department, is investigating the death of two individuals in the Town of Plattekill.

On August 21, 2026 at approximately 11:42 PM, deputies along with officers from the Town of Plattekill Police Department and troopers from the New York State Police responded to an address on Milton Turnpike in the Town of Plattekill for a report of two unconscious individuals. Upon arrival of police and EMS personnel, it was determined both individuals, a 66 year old male and 54 year old female, were deceased.

This investigation is ongoing and active. At this time, we do not have any reason to believe there is any threat to the public. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

We were assisted at the scene by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office canine unit.

CORRECTIONS DIVISION OPEN HOUSEThe Ulster County Personnel Department has recently announced an upcoming Correction Offi...
08/21/2026

CORRECTIONS DIVISION OPEN HOUSE

The Ulster County Personnel Department has recently announced an upcoming Correction Officer Civil Service Exam being administered online October 1st through October 31st. Applications must be filed by September 18th. We are hosting open house sessions at the Ulster County Law Enforcement Center September 12th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and September 15th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. We will help you sign up for the civil service exam, start background packets and answer any questions you may have. For additional information, contact Captain Stracuzzi at (845) 224-6280 or [email protected].

You can sign up for the exam at the following link: https://ulster-portal.mycivilservice.com/main/show_announcement/4331

08/18/2026

SHERIFF JUAN FIGUEROA JOINS NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO HELP COMMUNITIES RESPOND TO SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER WITH KNOWLEDGE, NOT STIGMA

Sheriff Juan Figueroa joined a nationwide public service campaign led by the National Sheriffs’ Association to help communities respond to substance use disorder with prevention, treatment, recovery and support. As part of the initiative, Sheriff Figueroa recorded a Public Service Announcement now being distributed for broadcast on television, radio and digital platforms. The message is direct: substance use disorder is a health condition, prevention works, treatment is effective and recovery is possible.

“Sheriffs see what substance use disorder does to people, families and entire communities,” Sheriff Figueroa said. “We see it in homes, on patrol, in emergency calls, in the jail and in the courts. This is not about blame or failure. It is about getting people and families better information before a crisis becomes an arrest, an overdose or a tragedy.”

The campaign comes as substance use disorder continues to affect communities across the country. Nearly 80,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2024, according to CDC data. More than 91 percent of drug overdose deaths were unintentional, underscoring the importance of prevention, education and early response. Treatment remains a major challenge. According to SAMHSA data, more than 52 million Americans age 12 or older needed substance use disorder treatment in 2024, but only about one in five people who needed treatment received it.

Sheriff Figueroa said the campaign is designed to help families act sooner and help communities connect people with support. “People should not have to wait until an emergency call, a jail booking or an overdose to know where to turn,” Sheriff Figueroa said. Contact with our Opioid Response As County Law Enforcement (O.R.A.C.L.E.) team can be made any time of day via our Civilian Overdose Reporting tool online at https://www.ulstersheriffny.gov/civilianForm, through our phone hotline at 888-996-0940 or [email protected].

The campaign also encourages stronger collaboration among law enforcement, corrections, courts, healthcare providers, treatment professionals, recovery organizations and community partners. “Law enforcement cannot solve this crisis alone,” Sheriff Figueroa said. “Communities make progress when public safety, healthcare, treatment and recovery partners work together. Our job is to protect the public. Part of that work is helping people get accurate information before the crisis escalates.”

Residents are encouraged to learn the signs of substance use disorder, talk with their families, support prevention, support treatment and support recovery. If your community needs opioid or substance use disorder education and training, help is available. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use disorder, you are not alone. For more information, visit our O.R.A.C.L.E. team page at: https://www.ulstersheriffny.gov/oracle or the National Sheriffs’ Association at: www.sheriffs.org/opioideducation.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION

The National Sheriffs’ Association is one of the largest associations of law enforcement professionals in the United States, representing more than 3,000 elected Sheriffs across the nation and with a total membership of more than 10,000. NSA is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising the level of professionalism among Sheriffs, their deputies and others in the field of law enforcement, public safety and criminal justice. Throughout its history, NSA has also served as an information resource for law enforcement, state governments and the federal government.

08/14/2026

Our Pistol Permit window will be open tomorrow, 8/15, from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

Address

380 Boulevard
Kingston, NY
12401

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