Nine hours with the Saratoga Springs Police Department
I recently had an incredible opportunity to go on a special ride-along and foot patrol with the Saratoga Springs Police Department so I could see — up close and in-person — what officers and deputies encounter during their respective shifts.
My nine hours with the Saratoga Springs Police Department was an eye-opening experience highlighting the men and women of law enforcement who protect and serve our communities with professionalism, compassion, and a rock-solid commitment to ensuring public safety.
My ride-along began at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 23, and was a night of nonstop action! I had the privilege of riding with Saratoga Springs Police Department Officer Kateri Marotta (who I’m pictured with in the photo accompanying my column). Officer Marotta commands a strong presence and is an example of one of our many excellent Saratoga Springs Police Department Officers. Officer Marotta answered calls for EMS backup, responded to a potential sexual assault, a manhunt in a fast patrol SUV on city streets (for a story that made the local news), blocking a street to traffic to protect a nightclub crowd and passersby, followed by a foot patrol at Broadway and Caroline Street.
All of this took place in just four hours!
The incredible physical and mental stamina of Officer Marotta — who didn’t have a single break, let alone time for a drink of water (this is no exaggeration) — and so many of her colleagues who work long hours in highly stressful, difficult, demanding, often dangerous conditions, struck me that evening and has stuck with me ever since.
Officer Marotta had many fans along the way including residents, homeless people whom she has helped, and even dogs she knew by name. I count myself as one of Officer Marotta’s fans and appreciate her service to the people and visitors of Saratoga Springs. Throughout my nighttime ride-along, Officer Marotta kept me safe and afforded me an inside look at her vital role.
Officer Marotta and the Saratoga Springs Police Department’s connection and commitment to the community were abundantly clear.
After my time with Officer Marotta, I had an opportunity to accompany Saratoga Springs Police Department Sergeant Paul Veitch. Sergeant Veitch took me on his watch with other Saratoga Springs Police Officers and Saratoga County Sheriff Deputies for five hours. The Sheriff Deputies arrived at 11 p.m. and were there to provide needed numbers and work with, and under the command of, Sergeant Veitch while I was there.
We went on a foot patrol at the intersection of Maple and Caroline Streets across from Gaffney’s where the crowd was huge. I witnessed a fight that was broken up — swiftly and safely — by law enforcement.
The officers I spent time with are devoted to their jobs and, above all, keeping the residents and visitors safe. During the summer season when the population triples in size, the officers work 12 and 16-hour shifts. This is hard, difficult, and important work. The sheer physical and mental stamina required of police work would rival most Olympic athletes. I’m happy to report that the level of cooperation and collegiality between the City of Saratoga Springs Police Department and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office was evident. They worked well together, cohesively and cooperatively, just as you’d expect.
Throughout the night and well into the wee hours of four a.m., countless people we encountered thanked the Saratoga Springs Police Department Officers and Saratoga County Sheriff’s Deputies for their service and for keeping them safe. Many fist bumps were exchanged and I was thrilled to see this! The law enforcement officers exhibited great patience in the face of some taunts and negative behaviors directed at them. The fact of the matter is that a strong police presence is necessary to dissuade potential trouble and to react quickly and effectively when there is trouble.
I witnessed numerous people express their appreciation for this because they, in their own words, felt safe.
The only people dissatisfied with the police presence were obvious troublemakers, and those caught in a criminal act. This was obvious when an insolent scofflaw engaged in a violent fight and, while being placed in a police car, spit, twice, on two officers. This is the sort of nonsense that our law enforcement community faces, in Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County, and across the country. The officers’ and deputies’ cool, calm, collected, and professional demeanor displayed their excellent train
ing and incredible personal restraint.
All told, my nine hours riding along (and taking part in foot patrols) with the Saratoga Springs Police Department was eyeopening, energetic, and afforded me an up-close view of some of the many challenges they face. I’ll carry these insights and observations with me as a State Senator in continuing to advance a pro-law enforcement and pro-public safety agenda. This experience affirmed my strong belief that we need to back the blue and support the courageous men and women of law enforcement.
My thanks to Saratoga Springs Police Chief Shane Crooks, and Saratoga Springs Sergeant Cadoret for arranging my night with the dedicated men and women that keep Saratoga Springs safe! Also, a big thank you to Saratoga Springs Police Department Officer Kateri Marotta, Saratoga Springs Police Department Sergeant Paul Veitch, Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, and Saratoga County Sheriff Deputies. God bless the Saratoga Springs Police Department, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, and all of the men and women of law enforcement who protect and serve.
We appreciate and respect you, are grateful for your service, and want you all to stay safe!
If I can help, call me at (518) 371-2751, e-mail me at jordan@nysenate.gov, visit my Senate webpage www.jordan.nysenate.gov, contact my district office at 1580 Columbia Turnpike
Building 2, Suite 1, Castleton-On-The-Hudson, NY 12033, or connect with me on Facebook (Senator Daphne Jordan), Instagram (Senator_Jordan), and Twitter (NY Senator Jordan).
NYS Senator Daphne Jordan serves as the Ranking Republican Member on the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, the Senate Libraries Committee, the Senate State-Native American Relations Committee, and the Women’s Issues Committee. Senator Jordan also serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee, Procurement and Contracts Committee, and the Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee. Senator Jordan represents the
43rd Senate District that includes parts of Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Washington counties and all of Columbia County.