Rep. Ryan helps establish Real-Time Crime Center in Dutchess (VIDEO)

POUGHKEEPSIE – Congressman Pat Ryan (D NY-18) has nominated Dutchess County and the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office for a $1.1 million grant from the federal Community Project Funding program as part of a joint effort to rehabilitate the Analysis and Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) at the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office.

The restructuring of the existing Field Intelligence Group will improve law enforcement efficiency and responsiveness through the immediate availability of intelligence, including live video feeds, license plate readers and other technology at multiple locations.

Rep. Ryan is also seeking to raise $1.1 million for Dutchess County to implement a consolidated two-way public safety radio system that will enable improved communication between emergency departments and improve the coordination and effectiveness of emergency response across the county.

The County Department of Emergency Response is the lead agency for modernizing communications systems. The measures have been well received throughout the county, with the exception of the City of Poughkeepsie, where the City Council postponed a vote on the county's replacement of the radio tower on College Hill. The radios used by the city police are ineffective in certain areas of the city, known as “dead zones,” putting officers and the public at risk in the event of an emergency.

“Supporting law enforcement and our first responders shouldn't be partisan – it's about giving back to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our community,” Ryan said, noting that Democrats and Republicans at the county, state and federal levels worked together on the funding package. “The Real-Time Crime Intelligence Center and the new two-way public safety radio system will be absolute game-changers for Dutchess County.”

Years ago, before he became sheriff, Imperati and then-Deputy District Attorney Parisi worked together to create the Field Intelligence Group, designed to assist law enforcement by sharing information between all local police departments. Imperati has since been elected Dutchess County Sheriff and Parisi Dutchess County District Attorney. The two have continued their collaboration and are developing the Real-Time Crime Center to better protect Dutchess County residents, Imperati said. Parisi joined Imperati in thanking Ryan for the funding and explained the need for the RTCC, saying, “Our goal is to prevent crime, not just respond to crime.”

In October 2023, as the Democratic candidate for District Attorney, Parisi promised to establish the intelligence center to prevent crime and provide additional security measures around daycares and schools in Dutchess County. The RTCC would include video surveillance in the areas of all daycares and schools in Dutchess County.