U.S. Route 20 (Wikipedia)

State Police will have stepped up speed enforcement on Route 20 today.

The one-day corridor project, which is targeted at reducing speed related crashes on non-interstate highways, was created by the Iowa State Patrol. New York State Police is among eight other states participating in the campaign.

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven Nigrelli said in a release that, “Speeding contributes to over one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities across the nation.”

Drivers can expect to see increased patrols by State Police and local law enforcement agencies during the morning and evening drive times.

Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of this crackdown in order to more easily identify motorists who are violating the law.

U.S. Highway 20 spans 3,365 miles coast to coast. New York State has jurisdiction over 372 miles of the highway. This is the second time New York State Police is participating in the campaign.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,258 individuals were killed in speed-related accidents across the country in 2020 and speeding contributed to 29% of all motor vehicle fatalities.

Governor Kathy Hochul at a press briefing November 20, 2022

Following the mass shooting at a Colorado LGBTQ club and recent threat to the Jewish community in New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul announced State Police will be increasing protection for communities against hate crimes.

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven Nigrelli said the agency is in contact with the NYPD and continues to monitor social media for hateful threats that may impact New Yorkers.

The State Police’s Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit is conducting outreach to LGBTQ communities across New York, as well as to synagogues and other Jewish community spaces in the state.

Kevin Bruen

State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen submitted his resignation on Friday, just days after reports that he may be under investigation.

Bruen is under investigation for his handling of internal personnel matters including allegations he shielded former human resources director Mary Ellen Tedesco from complaints because of his close working relationship with her. According to the New York Post, Tedesco resigned a month ago after issues surfaced over her alleged handling of a prospective employee who was wheelchair-bound.

Bruen is also reported to be the official who opted not to punish the state trooper who was dating one of Andrew Cuomo‘s daughters while also serving as member of the former governor’s official protection detail.

Bruen was appointed Superintendent of the State Police 16 months ago by former governor Cuomo with the appointment confirmed in June 2021.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Friday that she had accepted Bruen’s resignation and that a thorough search for a new police superintendent would begin.

Bruen’s resignation letter said he will remain on the job until October 19.

First Deputy Superintendent Steven Nigrelli will take over as Acting Superintendent on an interim basis until a new superintendent is named.