State police, volunteers to start annual 'Pumpkin Patrol'

State troopers who patrol the New York Thruway will be joined by citizen volunteers as they try to prevent Halloween pranks from being pulled off along the highway system.

State police say Troop T will be conducting its 39th annual "Pumpkin Patrol" Friday and again on Saturday, which is Halloween.

The Thruway detail responsible for patrolling the 570-mile highway system will be assisted by members of local citizen band radio clubs and amateur radio operators. State officials say volunteer groups from 16 different organizations spanning 20 counties across New York state will join in the safety initiative.

More than 300 volunteers will monitor Thruway overpasses and report suspicious activity to state troopers or local police.

The first Pumpkin Patrol was conducted in 1976 by private citizens. State police assumed control of the effort in 1990.