POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County has completed its police reform and modernization report outlining a series of law enforcement reforms to eliminate racial inequities and address community needs.
County Executive Marc Molinaro said the recommendations are based on a consensus from a task force of people with diverse backgrounds.
“There are a series of steps that includes real quality training that builds on the county’s crisis intervention, mental health first aid and de-escalation training that really make the difference, policy enhancements to broaden and diversify the workforce, all of this reached through consensus,” he said.
Among the potential initiatives is the recommendation for the use of body cameras by law enforcement agencies. In 2021, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office will join the City of Poughkeepsie in requiring the use of body cameras, and the county is encouraging their use throughout all law enforcement agencies in the county.
Molinaro said the county will offer shared purchasing and the sharing of data for any agencies that want to participate in a body cam program.
