POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Law Enforcement Academy welcomed 22 new recruits for their first day of training on Tuesday. County Sheriff Kirk Imperati welcomed the group representing five police agencies that is starting the 24-week academy.
“If you don’t want to protect people, you don’t want to uphold the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of New York, “Imperati said. “Then this job is probably not for you.”
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has been hosting the police academy since 1990 and Imperati advised the students that as a member of law enforcement, they need to treat the public under the guidelines of “We don’t care who you are or what you do, we help everybody,” as he welcomed them to what he said is “The most rewarding job you will ever have.”
“Our goal is to give you the tools you need to stay safe and do your jobs,” County Executive Marc Molinaro told the recruits. Molinaro was joined by State Senator Sue Serino, Poughkeepsie Mayor and retired police detective Rob Rolison, and County Chief Assistant District Attorney Matt Weishaupt. The Chief ADA was a member of law enforcement before becoming a prosecutor. “I’m going to tell you two things that are most important,” Weishaupt said. “Two things that you need to bring with you that you can never leave at the doorstep – it’s not the gun, it’s not the badge,” he said. “It’s common sense and communication skills.” The prosecutor told recruits that speaking to people they are interacting with typically helps to de-escalate a situation.
Over the next 24 weeks, under the direction of sheriff’s Detective Kate Capalbo, the recruits will work on team building, physical fitness, and firearms proficiency, while spending a substantial amount of time learning the law.
The latest class includes the following departments and number of recruits:
- Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office – 8 recruits
- Columbia County Sheriff’s Office – 6 recruits
- City of Poughkeepsie Police Department – 3 recruits
- Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department – 3 recruits
- City of Beacon – 1 recruit
