Inaugural YPI Class Celebrates its Graduation

POUGHKEEPSIE – Fifteen Poughkeepsie City School District students and area law enforcement officers have better relationships with local law enforcement after spending a week together during the inaugural Youth and Police Initiative training session.

The curriculum-based program, funded by Dutchess County Government, was designed to help build positive change and trust between young people and law enforcement by providing early intervention initiatives for students to build rapport with officers. Successful programs already exist in Newburgh, Albany and White Plains.

“The Poughkeepsie City School District and its students must succeed, and Dutchess County is proud to make available to them numerous resources and trainings to make that happen – an ongoing pledge to the children of the district, as well as the faculty, staff and administration entrusted with their care each school day,” Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said.

Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Alonzo Montanya discusses his personal story with Poughkeepsie High School students in the Youth and Police Initiative during a training session on March 23rd.
Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Alonzo Montanya discusses his personal story with Poughkeepsie High School students in the Youth and Police Initiative during a training session on March 23rd.

On Saturday, March 26, the students and the officers they worked with participated in a graduation ceremony held at Dutchess Community College’s Drumlin Hall. In attendance were Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison, Dutchess County officials and New York State Sen. Sue Serino.

Training sessions at Beulah Baptist Church began March 22nd and involved PCSD, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, City of Poughkeepsie Police and New York State Police. During the training, participants engaged in discussions, games and role plays which helped build their public speaking and facilitation skills. They got to know each other on a personal level and learn from each other.

“This helped me build bonds with officers,” Poughkeepsie High School junior Darrian Black said. “I learned that not everyone’s the same and you shouldn’t stereotype people based on social media.” Black became involved with the program after applying for a tutoring job with Family Partnership. “I would definitely recommend it to other students.”

Classmate Jameel Richardson agreed.

“I know their stories – not just the negative but the positive – and built bonds,” Richardson said. “It makes me feel safer because I know the police department in my neighborhood.”

Not only would he encourage classmates to participate in the program, but Richardson said if given the opportunity he would like to attend additional sessions.

Upon graduation, students receive a stipend for their time and contributions to the program. They now can be part of the solution.

“I commend these first graduates for taking the time and effort to complete this comprehensive training, from which they and their peers will benefit. By taking this step, these students have demonstrated their commitment to making their school, district and community a safer place, and we look forward to having more of their classmates follow in their footsteps,” Molinaro said.

Rosser praised the county and law enforcement for their involvement.

“The Youth Police Initiative has been a good opportunity for PCSD students to establish leadership skills through a weeklong program with law enforcement. Students resoundingly applauded the program with a regret that it was only one week,” he said. “PCSD is appreciative of the County and local law enforcement for their commitment to supporting the positive youth development of PCSD students. We look forward to additional students participating.”

The YPI program is one of several resources Dutchess County has made available to PCSD, including two trauma-informed care training sessions in January.