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Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa is steering the sheriff's office toward a future that heavily incorporates artificial intelligence and cybercrime prevention. During a briefing with the county legislature on Tuesday (October 21), Figueroa emphasized the importance of leadership, collaboration, and technology in preparing for emerging threats. He noted that organized crime is already using AI, and the sheriff's office aims to leverage it to enhance their investigative capabilities and community safety.
Sheriff Figueroa, who has been in office for seven years, reported a decrease in calls for service and arrests in 2025. He highlighted the success of the county's medical-assisted treatment program, which began locally in 2019 and became state law in 2022. This program has served over 100 participants battling addiction, contributing to a 23 percent drop in nonfatal drug overdoses and a 56 percent reduction in fatal overdoses compared to last year.
The sheriff's office is also making strides in technology and interagency cooperation. The Kingston Police Department recently joined the county’s shared records management system, which Figueroa described as a "game changer" for connecting crime data across the county. Currently, 85 percent of police departments in Ulster County are on this system.
Figueroa also highlighted the department’s growing drone program, which has been deployed in 80 missing-person searches, 29 fire assists, and 18 water rescues this year. A U.S. Coast Guard grant facilitated the acquisition of a new navigation vessel used in a March maritime rescue on the Hudson River.
Looking ahead, the sheriff plans to add a deputy focused on traffic, pedestrian safety, and public education. Additionally, the department is pursuing a state grant for reentry housing and recidivism reduction. These initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to enhancing public safety and adapting to the challenges of modern law enforcement.