Putnam County, New York

Sheriff Brian M. Hess

Serving Putnam County with integrity, professionalism, transparency, and a steady focus on community safety.

Current Work Donate

In an emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency Sheriff Office assistance, call (845) 225‑4300.

About Sheriff Hess

Leading With Experience

Brian M. Hess brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office. He was elected Putnam County Sheriff in November 2025 after serving the office through a period of transition.

Sheriff Hess and his wife have lived in Patterson for more than 12 years, raising their six children in the community they call home. His approach combines boots-on-the-ground law enforcement experience with practical technology, strong partnerships, and direct accountability to Putnam County residents.

Before joining the Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Hess served with the Westchester County Police Department, where he founded and commanded the Westchester-Putnam Real Time Crime Center. That work connected more than 65 law enforcement agencies and more than 5,500 vetted professionals for real-time intelligence sharing.

25+

years in law enforcement

65+

partner agencies connected

county high schools supported by the scholarship fund

Career Highlights

Progressive law enforcement leadership across patrol, investigations, technology, and public safety coordination.
Founder and commanding officer of the Westchester-Putnam Real Time Crime Center.
Leader of multi-agency work connecting investigators, public safety partners, and regional intelligence resources.
Co-founder of the region's first pursuit mitigation program.

Current Priorities

Work Underway at the Sheriff's Office

Community Safety

Supporting patrol, investigations, corrections, emergency response, and crime prevention with visible, accountable service.

Schools and Youth

Strengthening school partnerships, youth engagement, cadet development, and positive connections between deputies and students.

Technology and Intelligence

Using practical public safety technology, including real-time intelligence, cameras, and data-informed deployments.

Public Trust

Keeping communication open through community events, service reporting, public resources, and transparent leadership.

Community Resources

Programs Residents Can Use

These official Sheriff Office resources help residents report concerns, request assistance, and stay connected.

Traffic Complaints Are You OK? Dark House Check Blue Envelope Program Business Site Assessment Quality of Service

New Initiative

The Brian Hess Scholarship Fund of Putnam County, Inc.

The scholarship fund was created to recognize graduating seniors who demonstrate strong character, leadership, integrity, resilience, and a commitment to community.

Each year, one student from each Putnam County high school is selected to receive a $500 scholarship for college, university, trade school, or another accredited post-secondary program.

Academic effort Leadership Community service Character Resilience Future goals

2026 cycle Application deadline was June 1, 2026

Recipients One senior from each Putnam County high school

Award $500 per recipient

Scholarship Details Download PDF

Updates

Recent Work and Public Information

Community Event

Meet the Fleet 2026

Hundreds of community members visited the Sheriff's Office to meet deputies, see public safety equipment, and support the Brian Hess Scholarship Fund through event merchandise.

Public Safety

Putnam County Trailway

The Sheriff's Office has highlighted summer patrols and new Trailway security camera work with county partners to help keep residents safe outdoors.

Official Site

Latest Sheriff's Office News

Follow official releases, reports, hiring information, and public safety alerts directly through the Putnam County Sheriff's Office website.

Read official updates

Support

Contribute Online

Your contribution helps support outreach, community events, and continued communication with Putnam County residents.

Legal Notice

New York State law requires us to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and employer of each individual whose contributions exceed $99 in an election cycle.

Contributions are not tax-deductible for federal or state income tax purposes. Corporate contributions and contributions from foreign nationals are prohibited.

The maximum contribution allowed to a countywide candidate in Putnam County is $1,500 per individual per election, as set by the New York State Board of Elections. Contributions must be reported to the NYS Board of Elections.

Service in Photos