POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- The push continues to put an end to violence that has erupted in the city of Poughkeepsie this month.
“At the end of the day, we’re shorthanded and any additional resources are much appreciated,” said Poughkeepsie Police Chief Ronald Knapp.
Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Rob Rolison and County Executive Marcus Molinaro held private meetings this week with city officials and community leaders to bring forth solutions.
“There’s nothing more urgent than public safety,” said Rolison.
One of the measures includes having the county’s mobile crisis intervention team work with the city’s police department.
“To assist the city of Poughkeepsie in providing adequate law enforcement support to respond to those involving mental, illness mental health issues,” said Molinaro.
Dutchess County will also provide human resources to help the city fill police officer positions quicker and double, joint patrols between the city of Poughkeepsie and Sheriff’s deputies in high crime areas.
“Working in neighborhoods where there is the possibility of shooting or gun violence because of factors that they have been able to get from police calls, people talking about it,” said Rolison.
In the past, residents have stated that they don’t want to just see more patrols they want to see more community policing. It’s something the city and the county said is being addressed.
“What we’re doing on our own is once we were authorized to use the overtime last week, we’ve already begun foot patrols,” said Knapp.
“The Dutchess County Sheriff Patrols that were in the community along with others from the city of Poughkeepsie will be more on the street on foot, will be on bikes in and around the community and will establish a relationship,” said Molinaro.
They’re efforts officials hope will put an end to the violence.
“I hope to see it a safer place and it will be a safer place,” said Rolison.