MyRye.com is entering the podcasting business with a new weekly podcast hosted by former Rye Mayor Doug French. Available on all major podcasting platforms, MyRye.com Conversations with Doug French will tackle the larger and sometimes intractable issues impacting the City of Rye through interviews with local, county and state officials and business leaders.
Our Episode 4 of Season 1, French speaks speaks with Michael Kopy, Public Safety Commissioner of Rye, to explore how technology, community collaboration, and innovative strategies are shaping modern public safety. Discover how Rye is deploying advanced tools like drones, body cameras, and real-time crime centers to protect residents and respond effectively to emergencies.
Main Topics Covered:
- Michael Kopy’s extensive background in police, fire, and emergency management
- The role and advantages of having a unified Public Safety Department
- How Ryeâs police and fire departments operate 24/7 with specialized training
- Implementation of advanced technology: plate readers, cameras, drones, and AI-driven body cameras
- The integration of systems for rapid response during school emergencies and criminal activities
- Cross-level government cooperation including Westchester County mutual aid and drone regulation by FAA
- Strategies for crime scene mapping, crime prevention, and solving crimes like the Arts Center stones theft
- Public communication through social media and emergency alerts via Code Red
- Upcoming updates on the police station and budget planning for vehicles and equipment
- Community relations and encouraging residents to report concerns directly
- Local regulations like the new leaf blower law effective May 1
- Managing traffic congestion and illegal parking issues in Rye
Timestamps:Â
00:00 – Intro: Public safety focus in Rye with Michael Kopy
02:15 – First responder challenges and Ryeâs safety reputation
04:03 – Use of technology for rapid emergency response
06:41 – Drones in police and fire response operations
09:24 – Handling threats from drone technology and identification methods
12:19 – Innovations in body camera AI for reports and translation
15:29 – Effective communication flow between Rye residents and police
18:00 – Coordination with regional authorities and real-time crime centers
20:00 – Solving recent thefts through social media and covert operations
21:22 – New regulations on gas leaf blowers starting May 1
22:11 – Traffic management and illegal parking enforcement strategies
24:15 – Community relations and public engagement efforts
24:27 – Police station improvements and staffing updates
25:14 – Budget and procurement practices for police and fire vehicles
28:30 – Emergency contact methods for residents and importance of community vigilance
30:38 – Final thoughts and community involvement in Rye
Issues discussed on various future episodes will include:
- Public safety
- Sustainability
- Long-term planning
- Development
- Open space and recreation
- Fiscal policy and budgeting
- Flooding
- Infrastructure
These topics concern issues that are often multijuristictional and must be addressed over many years. The show will not be focused on breaking news. We welcome your suggestions for guests, issues to be disccused, and feedback.
Doug French was the mayor of the City of Rye from 2010 to 2014, where he dealt with hurricanes, including Superstorm Sandy. He worked on finance issues impacting the city, downtown transformation, the Boston Post Road diet, pedestrian safety and sustainability initiatives, Rye Playland, and Rye Town Park. French also chaired the Rye Recreation Commission in the early 2000s and has been involved with Rye Little League, local scouting, the local Lions Club, and the local League of Women Voters. He currently serves on the Westchester County Board of Ethics. In his professional career, Doug has been a global marketing executive with leaders in the financial information sector including S&P, Thomson Reuters, + Wolters Kluwer.
Watch:
