POUGHKEEPSIE – The Safe Passages Home program, designed to give school children a safe way to get to and from school has received a big boost from Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison.
At the second meeting to discuss the program and recruit volunteers, Rolison announced that up to $15,000 in funding will be provided by the city through a youth development grant. Police Officer/School Resource Officer (SRO) Karen Zirbel said that her fellow officers will also be providing funding through the Police Athletic League.
Police Chief Thomas Pape said the program was originally instituted in 2002 and was very successful. At the time, it was a collaboration between the police department, Dutchess County Probation, and the Poughkeepsie City School District. The program had officers and other participants stationed at identified “hot spots” where trouble, including altercations, occurred on a regular basis. The presence of the officials proved that having the presence of adults along targeted routes reduced the amount of questionable behavior, which was more prevalent as the students were dismissed for the day. Pape said that the program slowly dwindled into non-existence due to a lack of funding and manpower.
Zirbel and Pape were joined Tuesday evening by Police Captain Richard Wilson, who stressed that the revived program would not be administered by the police department, but his agency would be available to provide guidance and support. “We don’t expect the volunteers to intervene in breaking up fights,” said Wilson. “We just want the volunteers to keep their eyes and ears open, and call the police if something needs to be addressed,” he said.
SNUG, a Family Services, Inc. organization funded through the State Division of Criminal Justices Services has been active in similar programs and representative Carloz Simpson told those at the community meeting that his organization was willing to step up and help again. He pointed out that the best way to determine where the “hot spots” for trouble are, is to consult the students. “The kids know where the trouble spots are, and asking them will help us determine where volunteers need to post up,” said Simpson. Poughkeepsie School Superintendent Dr. Eric Rosser has pledged that his staff will work with SNUG and SRO Zirbel to help further determine the hot spots.
Zirbel stressed the need for the community to step forward and help make this program a success. “We want to get the kids to and from school safely and we need the community to help.” Zirbel’s tentative list of locations where volunteers are needed from about 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on school days are largely in the sixth ward, namely Gray and Edgar Streets, Main Street near Dollar General, and Bartlett Park. Additional locations include Montgomery Street, situated in both the second and sixth wards, Garden Street in the third ward, and Winnikee Avenue in the fifth ward.
Zirbel is urging members of the community, including businesses and organizations that are willing to help to call 845-451-4000 and ask for her.
