State Police to conduct Halloween Pumpkin Patrol to keep motorists safe along the Thruway

Troopers from State Police Troop T will coordinate the 49th Annual Pumpkin Patrol on October 30 and 31 along New York State Thruway bridges and overpasses to deter dangerous Halloween pranks and ensure the safety of motorists.

This longstanding initiative is a collaboration between Troop T, whose members patrol the Thruway exclusively, and volunteers from local Citizen Band radio clubs and amateur radio organizations. These volunteers will monitor various overpasses, watching for suspicious or unsafe activity, and can quickly alert nearby State Police patrols or local law enforcement to help prevent hazards to passing motorists.

Several hundred volunteers across more than a dozen counties are expected to participate this year.

The Pumpkin Patrol began as a volunteer effort in 1976 in Fort Johnson, Montgomery County. The State Police assumed control of the Pumpkin Patrol in 1990 as part of its broader crime prevention efforts.

This initiative coincides with other State Police enforcement activities during the Halloween weekend, including increased patrols targeting impaired, distracted and aggressive driving behaviors.

Media inquiries regarding the Pumpkin Patrol can be directed to Troop T at [email protected] or 518-471-4489.