06/17/2025
**PRESS RELEASE**
Date: June 17, 2025
To: All Media Outlets
From: Lieutenant Jeffry R. Thoelen, Bureau Commander of Operations
Subject: Middletown Police Conduct School Bus Enforcement Detail
On Thursday, June 6, 2025, the Middletown Police Department conducted a traffic enforcement detail targeting school bus stop light violators within our jurisdiction. The operation was coordinated utilizing data collected from the Orange County Department of Emergency Services School Bus Safety Program, which has equipped buses within the Middletown Enlarged City School District with stop-arm activated cameras that automatically capture traffic violators. Middletown based locations with multiple violations were identified, and marked and unmarked patrol vehicles were deployed to these areas and the local areas surrounding our schools, to monitor vehicle traffic. Police officers issued 54 traffic tickets, including 4 violations for school bus stop-arm violations, 3 arrests for aggravated unlicensed operation, and multiple other equipment and moving violations.
Every day, there are approximately 2.3 million children who ride a school bus in New York, with an estimated 50,000 annual stop light violations. These offenses place children at serious risk, and have resulted in significant injuries and deaths across the country. Since the School Bus Safety Program began in May of 2024, more than 15,000 violations have been issued across Orange County. This highlights the substantial problem surrounding school bus safety and the need for law enforcement to take stronger enforcement action.
The New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law requires that motorists stop at least 20 feet from a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing. Violators face 7 points on their driverās license, increased insurance rates, and a substantial court imposed fine. Civil summonses issued through the School Safety Program carry a $250 penalty, but do not impact driverās license points or insurance rates. Summonses are automatically issued to the registered owner of a vehicle, after being reviewed by School Safety Program personnel.
The Middletown Police Department wishes to thank Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and the staff at the Orange County Department of Emergency Services who oversee the School Bus Safety Program. We would also like to acknowledge the cooperation and support we received from Dan Higbie, General Manager of Mid-City Transit, who manages student transportation for the Middletown Enlarged City School District. The June 6th traffic detail was overseen by Sergeant Scott Gallagher, who was able to work closely with these two entities, and assist our agency in prioritizing student and traffic safety by holding dangerous drivers accountable for their illegal actions. Future enforcement efforts will undoubtedly build upon this collaboration and partnership.
(Photo Courtesy of Orange County Department of Emergency Services)
