The U.S. Department of Justice approved a $625,000, three-year grant to fund five more police officers for the Poughkeepsie Police Department.
Mayor John Tkazyik said once the new officers go through police training, they will hit the streets early next year.
“We are still trying to fill four additional spots, so this will be nine new officers on the beat in what is going to be called the Directed Patrol Unit, being out there with the community and being in those areas where we see the hot spots take place, and be one-on-one, hands-on with the community,” Tkazyik said.
Common Council Chairman Christopher Petsas and other council members also welcomed the news during last night’s council meeting.
If all goes according to plans, the 96 member department would increase to 101 sworn officers after the first of the new year, the mayor said.
