Diversity Now Growing Within Law Enforcement

POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Acting Sheriff Kirk A. Imperati announced the graduation of the 25th session of the Dutchess County Law Enforcement Academy Basic Course for Police Officers. The ceremony was held in the James and Betty Hall Theatre at Dutchess Community College.

“Today is the culmination of twenty-six weeks of commitment and perseverance by individuals who have chosen the path of police service within their communities. These graduates have completed an intensive training program that has provided them with a strong foundation to be guardians of their community and to protect and preserve the rights of others,” said Acting Sheriff Imperati. “I congratulate the graduates and their families, and I wish them all a safe and successful law enforcement career.”

Twenty officers from seven different police agencies successfully completed the training program. The curriculum included instruction in such topics as penal law and traffic law, police procedures and investigative techniques, domestic violence, mental health and crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, CPR/AED/first aid, procedural justice and implicit bias training, physical fitness, defensive tactics, firearms, and emergency vehicle operations.

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Training Bureau is responsible for directing and administering the Dutchess County Law Enforcement Academy. The academy is recognized by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Office of Public Safety as an approved police academy to conduct the Municipal Police Training Council Basic Course for Police Officers. This training is required for all newly appointed deputy sheriffs and police officers in New York state.

Although the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office is the lead agency for the academy, the City of Poughkeepsie, City of Beacon, Town of Poughkeepsie, and Town of East Fishkill police departments, as well as other law enforcement agencies, provide support and instruction throughout the academy that is essential to this successful collaboration. There is also a strong partnership with the legal community, mental health clinicians, substance abuse counselors, domestic violence prevention advocates and representatives from the special needs community who provide valuable guidance and instruction during the police academy.

Acting Sheriff Imperati said, “We engage key stakeholders to ensure that the police recruits are educated in the challenges they will encounter and well versed in the services available to help people in need, especially those experiencing a mental health crisis or substance addiction.” “The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office has worked diligently to increase diversity within our agency to be more representative of the communities we serve. I’m proud to say that this class represents the most diverse group of graduates in the history of the Dutchess County Law Enforcement Academy,” said Acting Sheriff Imperati. “I will continue our efforts to diversify by working closely with our community leaders and elected officials, including County Executive Marcus Molinaro and the County Legislature, as we strive to get better every day.”