ROLISON, MOLINARO PLEDGE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO DEFEAT POUGHKEEPSIE CRIME SURGE
Chairman Rolison, a 26-year law enforcement veteran, outlines aggressive public safety commitments in two-day discussions

For More Information Contact:

Dain Pascocello 845-486-2103

Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Rob Rolison (District 8 – City and Town of Poughkeepsie) was joined by County Executive Marc Molinaro today to announce additional resources to assist the City of Poughkeepsie in the wake of a recent string of shootings. The announcement follows a series of discussions with county and city leadership, law enforcement, community groups, and clergy organized by Molinaro and Rolison. Participants identified immediate crime-reduction needs for the City of Poughkeepsie as well as coordinated longer-term goals related to community development, among others.

“The city has asked for our help and Dutchess County responded. Given the seriousness of the recent gun-related violence, it was clear that a sustained solution required more than a sound bite. The input of community stakeholders was vital in developing a citywide response that could immediately be deployed to ensure the safety of our residents and provide law enforcement with the tools they need to fight crime. I am grateful to County Executive Molinaro for his leadership in our discussions with city officials and stakeholders from across Poughkeepsie,” said Rolison.

Actions to be undertaken include: 

• Double number of joint patrols involving Sheriff's Office and City of Poughkeepsie Police Department personnel in crime “hot spots.” 
  
   
• Increase visibility of Sheriff's Office deputies in and around county facilities to assist the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department. 
  
   
• All county-assigned officers will be Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained and certified.
  
   
• Provide Human Resource assistance to the city to speed up the timeframe to fill nine city police officer positions.
  
   
• Fast-track approval for a new Crime Assistant position at the City of Poughkeepsie PD for identification, analysis, and problem-solving.
  
   
• Deploy the county’s Mobile Crisis Intervention Team to strategic areas in coordination with City PD.
  
   
• Increase law enforcement presence through additional alcohol enforcement (“bar checks”) in coordination with City of Poughkeepsie PD, District Attorney, and Probation.
  
   
• Develop a sustained awareness and community development campaign that encourages use of the county’s 24/7 HELPLINE and 911 by businesses, nonprofits, civic groups, and concerned citizens when they observe behaviors that have the potential to escalate into a dangerous situation.

City of Poughkeepsie government is considering seeking home rule authority from the state Legislature to curb alcohol-related violence by reducing operating hours at city bars. Should the City Council adopt the resolution, County Executive Molinaro and Chairman Rolison will provide the support necessary to assist in getting the necessary home rule authority.

County Executive Molinaro said, “We are grateful to all of those who have come together over the last two days to provide important situational awareness and addressing both the reality and perception of what has occurred. We are committed to assisting and we want our actions to have long-term benefits. The recent events in the City of Poughkeepsie require a multi-faceted response and partnership between the City and the County that is both impactful and sustainable.”   

Residents with information related to the recent shootings can call the City of Poughkeepsie's Tip Line at 845-451-7577. Additional information about County Sheriff's Office activities and responsibilities can be found here.