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.

NATIONAL POLICE WOMAN DAYToday we recognize our female deputies as well as police officers throughout the country that s...
09/12/2026

NATIONAL POLICE WOMAN DAY

Today we recognize our female deputies as well as police officers throughout the country that serve their communities every day. We thank you for your contributions to strengthening our partnership with the community.

ROSH HASHANAHWe wish the Jewish community a happy new year as their celebrations for Rosh Hashanah began last evening.
09/12/2026

ROSH HASHANAH

We wish the Jewish community a happy new year as their celebrations for Rosh Hashanah began last evening.

25th ANNIVERSARYToday we remember the nearly 3,000 souls lost in the terrorist attacks on our nation 25 years ago. We ho...
09/11/2026

25th ANNIVERSARY

Today we remember the nearly 3,000 souls lost in the terrorist attacks on our nation 25 years ago. We honor the service of all first responders who spent countless months as part of the recovery efforts at Ground Zero and pay special tribute to those whom have since passed from illnesses related to their service. Our nation united strong following these terrorist attacks and that serves as a beacon of hope for the resiliency of the American people. We will never forget!

IN-WATER RESCUE TEAM TRAININGEarlier today, members of our In-Water Rescue Team had the opportunity to train at Lake Sop...
09/10/2026

IN-WATER RESCUE TEAM TRAINING

Earlier today, members of our In-Water Rescue Team had the opportunity to train at Lake Sophia within Sojourner Truth State Park in the Town of Ulster and City of Kingston. Familiarization with bodies of water frequented by the community is imperative should an emergency situation arise in the future. When it comes to water emergencies in particular, seconds can determine the outcome of an incident and we appreciate the ability to train here today.

WALLKILL HIGH SCHOOL 9/11 COMMUNITY EVENTLast evening, our office collaborated with the Wallkill Central School District...
09/10/2026

WALLKILL HIGH SCHOOL 9/11 COMMUNITY EVENT

Last evening, our office collaborated with the Wallkill Central School District to remember the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our nation. Sheriff's Offices throughout the nation joined together with local communities throughout the week in honor of the victims who lost their lives 25 years ago. Members of our office joined the varsity football team for their game against Valley Central and Sheriff Juan Figueroa had the pleasure of leading the coin toss prior to the game. We thank the district for hosting the event!

09/08/2026

Our Pistol Permit window will be open extended hours tomorrow, 9/9, until 8:00 PM.

SAFE START TO SCHOOLWith the summer winding down and the new school year kicking off, we wish our students, teachers, st...
09/07/2026

SAFE START TO SCHOOL

With the summer winding down and the new school year kicking off, we wish our students, teachers, staff and parents a safe and healthy 2026-2027 academic year. Please remember to slow down in school zones and be cognizant of increased pedestrian traffic. Additionally, state law requires vehicles to stop in both directions for stopped school buses with the red lights activated; even on divided roadways. Deputies will be out this week throughout the county enforcing these violations to ensure we have a safe start to school.

HAPPY LABOR DAYWe wish everyone a safe and relaxing Labor Day!
09/07/2026

HAPPY LABOR DAY

We wish everyone a safe and relaxing Labor Day!

PASSING OF UCSO CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS MANAGEMENT TEAM CANINEIt is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share the pass...
09/04/2026

PASSING OF UCSO CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS MANAGEMENT TEAM CANINE

It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share the passing of Gunnar, a very special member of our first responder family and beloved member of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Gunnar and his handler, Karen Pardini, volunteered their time as part of our team to respond when people were experiencing some of their worst days, and somehow, Gunnar always seemed to know exactly who needed him most. Whether he was gently nudging you with his ball, quietly sitting beside you, or simply placing his enormous head in your lap, Gunnar knew. We are deeply saddened by this loss and send our deepest condolences to Karen, Mike, and everyone who loved Gunnar. Thank you for sharing him with our team and with so many members of the first responder community.

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATIONOn September 1, 2026, at approximately 11:29 p.m., members of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office a...
09/03/2026

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

On September 1, 2026, at approximately 11:29 p.m., members of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police responded to a residence on State Route 213 in the Town of Esopus following a report of a female unconscious and unresponsive suffering from a gunshot wound.

Upon arrival, police and emergency medical service personnel provided emergency medical attention to a female patient who was subsequently transported to Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a verbal dispute ensued between a male and female at the location, which ultimately turned physical. During the altercation, it is alleged that the male suspect, William F. Dearden, 47, of Ulster Park, shot the female victim, Brianna S. Wittl, 33, also of Ulster Park, with a handgun causing her death.

Mr. Dearden was charged with the felonies of Murder in the second degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree. He was arraigned in Ulster County Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) Court and remanded to the Ulster County Jail on no bail. This investigation is active and ongoing.

The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Forensic Identification Unit and Crash Reconstruction Unit as well as the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, Town of Esopus Volunteer Ambulance Squad, City of Kingston Fire Department, Empress EMS, and the Ulster County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Address

380 Boulevard
Kingston, NY
12401

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