Crime & Safety

Police Step Up Patrols Over Halloween to Stop Psych Center Trespassers

State Park police plan to close down some local roads to prevent mischief, mayhem on Halloween.

Trespassers hoping to get a cheap thrill sneaking into the former Kings Park Psych Center this Halloween are more likely to wind up in handcuffs. 

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced Thursday it will be stepping up patrols and restricting travel near the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center property - now the Nissequogue River State Park - during the Halloween weekend. 

Every year around Halloween, patrols, park personnel and park police is stepped up in efforts to deter daring teens and other trespassers looking to gain entry to the grounds.

Beginning on Oct. 30, state park police will begin additional patrols of the property. 

As of 4 p.m. on Oct. 30, New York State police and park staff will further increase patrols of the property and close off Kings Park Boulevard between Route 25A and St. Johnland Road in addition to all other roads leading in or out of the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center property. These road closures will remain in effect until at least 4 a.m. on Nov. 1. 

"Only authorize vehicles will be allowed to enter the grounds during those times. This restriction is in place to ensure the health and safety of individuals seeking access to the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center buildings," reads a statement from police. 

Earlier this year, three stranded teens had to be rescued by local police and fire departments in March after climbing a tree to illegally enter Building 93 through a broken windows A door closed behind the teens, leaving them unable to get out of the building. 

Demolition crews razed 19 former psychiatric center buildings over the past year, between August 2012 - 2013, including the famous power plant smokestack and morgue. Building 93 was not among those demolished. 

Phase 2 of demolition at the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center is currently before state officials in Albany pending budget and approval. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.