POUGHKEEPSIE – The City of Poughkeepsie has been recognized by the statewide New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) for their innovative Police Retention Program.
The plan was developed between the mayor’s office and the city’s PBA union to keep sworn officers from migrating to other richer, higher-paying police agencies. At one point, the department was down more than 25 officers due to transfers and retirements.
When finalized, the agreement was ratified by the common council and went into effect in 2018. Since the rollout of the plan, the police department has gone from 79 officers to 92 at present.
NYCOM recognized this program for its innovation and presented Mayor Robert Rolison with the “Local Government Achievement Award” at its annual meeting on May 5th in Cooperstown.
“We’re really excited about this,” said City Administrator Marc Nelson, who explained that the city faced an “enormous and mounting problem” over the years with officers leaving that the administration had to take action.
“Mayor Rolison’s number one priority is public safety and this plan goes a long way to addressing that commitment to keep Poughkeepsie safe,” said Nelson. He also credited the PBA and the common council for making this happen saying “when you work together with the unions, you can achieve so much more.”
NYCOM President Gary McCarthy, mayor of the City of Schenectady, said “The City of Poughkeepsie is to be commended for its efforts to improve the City through innovation and partnerships. Their Police Retention Program will benefit Poughkeepsie for years to come by strengthening its police force and the community’s public safety. Congratulations to Mayor Rob Rolison on this important accomplishment.”
This is the second year in a row that Poughkeepsie has been recognized by NYCOM. Last year the city was presented the same award as a result of the “Transit Consolidation for Sustainability Project” known as the county takeover of the city’s bus service.
“To be honored two years in a row is quite an accomplishment,” said Nelson.
NYCOM represents 573 cities and villages in New York State and has been in existence since 1910.
