Molinaro budget seeks to strengthen county drug task force

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Drugs seized by the DCDTF in June of 2022. Mid-Hudson News file photo.

POUGHKEEPSIE – In the $560 million 2023 budget introduced by Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro this week, he is proposing an officer from a local police department to be assigned to the Dutchess County Drug Task Force.

Town of Fishkill Police Chief Keith Dworkin is proud of the invitation extended to his department which is made up of part-time officers.  “Receiving an invitation to be a member agency of the task force is a reaffirmation of the strides our agency has made,” he said. “It is an honor to be held in the same high regard as full-time departments in Dutchess County and a credit to the men and women of the Town of Fishkill Police Department; I am proud of their level of professionalism and their commitment to duty.”

The task force is currently comprised of members of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, and police departments in the City of Poughkeepsie, City of Beacon, Town of Hyde Park, and the Town of East Fishkill.

Provided the position is approved during the budget negotiations by the county legislature, the Town of Fishkill PD will be sending a member to the task force.  The town will be reimbursed by the county for the time the Fishkill officer is with the task force.

The task force conducts major drug investigations throughout Dutchess County.  The unit is responsible for executing search warrants obtained through their investigations, arresting suspects, and seizing the assets of convicted drug dealers.