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// // Despite cuts, cops embrace anti-crime aid

Michael Valkys • Poughkeepsie Journal • August 16, 2010

Local authorities are dealing with decreased state aid used to fight crime, but officials say they are grateful to receive the money that helps pay for increased patrols and other anti-crime efforts.

“We are already spending it on overtime,” City [...]]]>

Despite cuts, cops embrace
anti-crime aid

Michael Valkys • Poughkeepsie Journal • August
16, 2010

Local authorities are dealing with decreased state
aid used to fight crime, but officials say they are
grateful to receive the money that helps pay for
increased patrols and other anti-crime efforts.

“We are already spending it on overtime,” City of
Poughkeepsie Police Chief Ronald Knapp said of
state Operation IMPACT funds.

The city will receive $175,750 in IMPACT funds,
which Knapp said would help pay for neighborhood
saturation patrols, narcotics operations and
surveillance equipment.

The department received $194,450 last year. Still,
Knapp said officials were glad to receive the funds,
given the down economy and the state’s financial
problems.

“We’re very fortunate and very happy they are
continuing IMPACT,” Knapp said.

Local plans for the funds come after Gov. David
Paterson last month announced the award of $13.5
million in IMPACT grants, a decrease of more than
10 percent from the $15.1 million allocated last
year.

Dutchess County will receive $377,724, down from
$407,130. Ulster County is expected to get
$275,331, down from $314,119.

State officials said the decrease is related to New
York’s fiscal crisis. The grants also go to upstate
and Long Island counties.

Town of Poughkeepsie police will receive $28,500
in IMPACT money, down from $64,840 last year.

Police Capt. Paul Lecomte said the funds help cover
overtime for warrant sweeps and checks on sex
offenders.

“It will hurt us a bit,” Lecomte said of the decrease.
“But we’re happy to accept anything.”

The only Dutchess agency to receive an increase in
IMPACT funding is the District Attorney’s Office,
which will get $134,224. Knapp said that money
helps pay for a prosecutor who focuses on violent
crimes and gangs.

“All of us as agencies use that prosecutor,” Knapp
said.

In addition, he said the city department will use
$15,000 in IMPACT funds to create a citizen
reporting link on the city’s website. That will allow
residents to electronically report a variety of
problems to police, from lost cell phones to identity
theft.

Knapp said the reporting system should be online
next year.

State IMPACT grants help fund strategic crime-
fighting and violence-reducing initiatives. The
funds can pay for crime analysts, prosecutors,
surveillance cameras, undercover details and
warrant sweeps.

State officials said statistics show that after a 2.4
percent decline in 2009, so-called “index” crimes
(murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault,
burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft) in primary
IMPACT jurisdictions rose about 2.5 percent during
the first five months of this year.

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Officials said the spike was driven almost entirely by
an increase in property crimes. They said murders,
rapes and robberies are down, but burglaries and
larcenies are up, both in IMPACT jurisdictions and
other parts of the state.

Paterson noted that in addition to IMPACT funding,
the state in the fall would distribute targeted grants
to areas struggling with increases in burglaries.
Officials said the funds would allow authorities to
obtain DNA evidence from the site of every burglary.

Operation IMPACT grants are competitive, with
priority given to areas with the highest volume of
crime.

State officials say each expenditure must bear a
direct relationship to the overall goal of reducing
violent crime.

The state monitors programs’ effectiveness through
monthly meetings with IMPACT partners.

“Crime Beat,” which explores law enforcement
issues and cases worked by police in the mid-
Hudson Valley, appears each Monday. To suggest a
topic, call 845-437-4877. Reach Michael Valkys at
mvalkys@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-437-
4816.

Operation IMPACT funding headed for
Dutchess County
• 2010: $377,724
• 2009: $407,130
Where the aid goes:
City of Poughkeepsie Police:
2010: $175,750
2009: $194,450
Town of Poughkeepsie Police:

2010: $28,500
2009: $64,840
District Attorney’s Office:
2010: $134,224
2009: $101,340
Sheriff’s Office:
2010: $36,500
2009: $36,500
Probation Office:
2010: $2,750
2009: $10,000

Operation IMPACT funding headed for
Ulster County
• 2010: $275,331
• 2009: $314,119
Where the aid goes:
Kingston Police Department:
2010: $86,000
2009: $98,800
District Attorney’s Office:
2010: $88,750
2009: $92,500
Sheriff’s Office:
2010: $60,565
2009: $72,225
Probation Department:
2010: $40,016
2009: $41,594
Note: An additional $9,000 in 2009 funding
went to agencies that did not get any in 2010.

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Officials also are urging parents to monitor their medicine cabinets, pointing out that prescription drug use can often be a gateway to harder drugs and addiction.

The warning [...]]]> Michael Valkys • Poughkeepsie Journal • August 2, 2010

State grants used to fight crime in the mid-Hudson Valley will decrease sharply in the coming year, according to Gov. David Paterson.

On Tuesday, Paterson said Operation IMPACT grants totaling $13.5 million will be awarded, down more than 10 percent from about $15.1 [...]]]> Michael Valkys • Poughkeepsie Journal • July 21, 2010

Three Dutchess County residents have been ordered to appear in Town of Dover Court on Monday following their arrest on charges related to the theft of metal storm grates, state police said. Laura Mahar, 25, of Amenia and Dalvin Bermudez, [...]]]> Police & court briefs

July 7, 2010

From PJ.com

3 accused of taking metal storm grates

Three Dutchess County residents have been ordered to appear in Town of Dover Court on Monday following their arrest on charges related to the theft of metal storm grates, state police said. Laura Mahar, 25, of Amenia and Dalvin Bermudez, 22, of the Town of Pawling have been charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony, state police said Saturday. A 28-year-old Town of Dover woman has been charged with petty larceny, a misdemeanor, and was issued an appearance ticket. The arrests occurred June 22. The three are accused of removing metal storm grates from the Sherman Hills Development in the Town of Dover. A neighbor who police said watched the three take the grates provided a description of them and their vehicle, police said.

In the wake of a violent crime, it may be difficult to remember details, or even have the wherewithal to call 911.

Contacting authorities immediately, filing a timely police report and relaying information in a clear, concise way [...]]]>

June 28, 2010

Police urge victims to report crimes quickly

Emily Stewart
Poughkeepsie Journal

In the wake of a violent crime, it may be difficult to remember details, or even have the wherewithal to call 911.

Contacting authorities immediately, filing a timely police report and relaying information in a clear, concise way makes it easier for law enforcement to track down the people responsible and bring closure for the victims.

The first thing to do if you’re a victim of a crime is to get through the incident without injury, said Detective Sgt. Matt Clark of the City of Poughkeepsie police.

Once safe, try to remember as much information as possible to give to police.

“Try and get a look at the people doing it,” he said.

Take note of what clothing they were wearing, what their faces looked like, what kind of car they drove and the license plate number, if possible. Also, what direction did they travel and what time did the crime happen?

Then, call 911 as soon as possible.

“Obviously, from our opinion, the sooner you call the police the better … while the information is still fresh in your mind,” Clark said.

“The sooner you call, the sooner we can get there and look for the people who did it. … The sooner you get the ball rolling,” he said.

Not everyone alerts authorities right away. Sometimes, enough time passes that the trail goes cold.

Even waiting several minutes can give an assailant enough time to get away.

“That does happen,” Clark said. “For whatever reason, they’ve waited so long that there’s no way we’re going to track people down or recover any evidence.”

Kathy Peluso, coordinator for the Family Services Crime Victims Assistance Program, said sometimes, particularly in instances of sexual assault, victims do not always remember all the information right away.

“A couple days later, you might remember this happened or that happened, especially when you’re drugged,” she said. “Victims might not be ready to file a police report right away. Or they might be afraid of retribution.

“It’s important for investigators to understand that,” she said.

The Crime Victims Assistance Program provides free counseling, accompaniment to court and police stations, assistance filing a claim with the state Crime Victims Board for compensation of medical bills, and emergency assistance to victims of serious crimes, according to its website.

Advocates are available 24 hours a day, through the program’s hotline, to accompany victims to police stations, court or other county agencies, Peluso said.

“People are sometimes afraid to file a police report,” she said. “We’re not lawyers, but we can provide as much information as possible. … Sometimes it helps just to have someone there. An advocate can help them understand what’s going to happen, what questions are going to be asked and try to keep them calm.”

The 24-hour crime victims hotline is 845-452-7272.

For more information on victims’ services and resources in Dutchess County, visit www.co.dutchess.ny.us/Community/14412.htm.

“Crime Beat,” which explores law enforcement issues and cases worked by police in the mid-Hudson Valley, appears each Monday. To suggest a topic, call 845-437-4834. Reach Emily Stewart at estewart@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-437-4882.

DANBURY — A report of a suspicious male hanging around Harmony Street and looking into car windows Thursday led to the arrest of a Pawling, N.Y. man on multiple charges.

Lt. Thomas Michael said when officers approached the man, Ian Clokey, 28, he ran away and hopped [...]]]>

Diana Cretella will be our HPNW [...]]]> Please email hpneighborhoodwatch@gmail.com and let us know if you can volunteer to help with Security, Staffing the Lost Child Booth and some Traffic Directing for the Pawling Fire Dept Community Carnival on Friday August 6th from 5PM to 11PM and on Saturday August 7th from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Diana Cretella will be our HPNW Leader for this very worthwhile Pawling Community effort. Please look at your calendar and email back with your availability.

Thank you in advance for your willingness to help.

Please call me at 845-803-1571 if you have any questions.

Bob Eichinger

Independence Day is a time to celebrate with family and friends, barbecue steaks and enjoy fireworks displays. It’s also a time to be careful and avoid hazards such as illegal fireworks, drunken driving and boating [...]]]>

July 1, 2010

Experts: Dodge dangers at holiday celebrations

Emily Stewart
Poughkeepsie Journal

Independence Day is a time to celebrate with family and friends, barbecue steaks and enjoy fireworks displays. It’s also a time to be careful and avoid hazards such as illegal fireworks, drunken driving and boating accidents.

U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 7,000 people for fireworks-related injuries in 2008. Fifty-three percent of those were to people’s extremities and 37 percent were head injuries, according to the National Fire Prevention Association website.

“Fireworks are very dangerous and unpredictable,” said Lt. John Watterson of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office.

They are also illegal to use or own in the state — except for licensed professionals. Charges range from a violation for possession or use of fireworks valued at under $50 to a felony if a person has been convicted of a fireworks violation during the past five years, and offers, sells or furnishes fireworks to a person under 18, according to the state penal code.

“There have been numerous cases throughout the years of people hurting themselves with fireworks — blowing off a finger or hurting themselves or other people in their vicinity,” Watterson said.

They can also start a fire. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, more fires are reported on the Fourth of July in a typical year than on any other day, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires.

“A lot of lower-grade fireworks don’t go up very high, so when the remnants come down, they have the potential to start a fire,” Watterson said. “When you light one, you never really know where they’re going.”

Watterson said the Sheriff’s Office usually receives numerous calls and complaints about fireworks around the Fourth of July.

“Attending public fireworks displays is the safest way to celebrate the Fourth of July,” said Thomas J. Cuff Jr., president of the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York, in a press release.

That’s just what Theresa White, 31, of Clinton Corners plans to do.

White and her daughter, Jenna Geib, 8, said they plan to see the fireworks at Waryas Park on Sunday.

White, a former City of Poughkeepsie resident, said before the fireworks came back to the city in 2009, the family used to drive up to Kingston to watch the display.

“It’s a lot easier to just come down here,” she said.

Bridget Romani, emergency room nurse manager at Saint Francis Hospital in the Town of Poughkeepsie, said she has seen more injuries from gas grills than fireworks.

“I think people have gotten smarter” about fireworks, she said.

“Gas grills are definitely a big problem,” she said. “People let the gas trap in there, and then light it — it goes right at you.”

Some patients have had eyebrows and hair singed; others have suffered worse injuries.

“It can affect their breathing,” Romani said.

Grills should be used a safe distance from the house. If a fire does start, call 911 immediately.

“Most people underestimate how fast a fire goes. They think they can put it out themselves, so they delay calling 911,” said Capt. Bill Steenbergh of the Arlington Fire District.

“We don’t complain about coming out if people think they have a problem,” he said, adding firefighters would rather go out sooner than later, when the whole house is engulfed in flames.

Though small sparklers are legal in the state, they can also be dangerous. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, the tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit .

Romani said she has seen children come into the hospital with injuries from sparklers.

“The sparks can come off and go right into their shirts and burn them, and their shirt can catch on fire,” she said.

Above all, avoid drinking and driving.

Leandra’s Law, a state law signed in November, makes it a felony to drive with a blood-alcohol content greater than 0.08 percent with a child younger than 15 in the car.

State police, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies will step up road patrols this weekend.

“There are more parties, more social gatherings, more events where people tend to drink,” Watterson said. “We’ll be fully prepared to combat the intoxicated drivers out on the roadway.”

He said because Independence Day falls on a weekend, it is likely even more people will be out than when the holiday occurs midweek.

“Most people are off from work and are more apt to go to parties,” he said.

To beat the traffic, Hyde Park resident Andrea Trochez, 22, said she plans to drive from Queens to Morris County, N.J., early Sunday morning.

“That should take care of the traffic,” she said.

More than 92 million vehicles traveled on the New York State Thruway system during the Fourth of July weekend (Thursday through Sunday) in 2009, according to a state Thruway Authority release.

Drivers should plan ahead, wear seat belts, hang up cell phones and allow extra time for travel, police said.

“The July Fourth holiday marks warmer weather and heavy travel periods. Troop T constantly monitors traffic to ensure that every motorist has a safe journey,” said Maj. Robert C. Meyers of state police Troop T in a release.

The Sheriff’s Office also patrols the Hudson River in warm weather.

“Our primary objective is to make sure the boaters are safe,” said Sgt. Shawn Castano of the Sheriff’s Office. “We check to make sure they’re not operating the boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

Castano said he expected a large number of boats on the river, as people come out to watch the fireworks displays.

He said that during the City of Poughkeepsie fireworks display Sunday night, there will be a 360-yard safety zone around the fireworks barge. Sheriff’s Office boats will enforce that safety zone, he said.

Additional Facts

TOWN OF PAWLING—A family dispute led to the arrest of a 32-year-old man on Wednesday, after he violated the terms of a restraining order.

State Police said the man’s father filed a restraining order against him on Tuesday. A day later, he entered [...]]]>

June 30, 2010

Pawling man arrested for violating restraining order

TOWN OF PAWLING—A family dispute led to the arrest of a 32-year-old man on Wednesday, after he violated the terms of a restraining order.

State Police said the man’s father filed a restraining order against him on Tuesday. A day later, he entered a family-owned store in Pawling where his father was working and took $100 from the cash register.

The man was arrested and charged with second degree criminal contempt and petit larceny.

BROOKFIELD — A police officer conducting a DUI spot check at 1087 Federal Road arrested a driver on multiple drug charges Saturday morning, police said.

Joshua Norton, 29, of Coulter Avenue, Pawling, N.Y., was charged with three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal manufacture, distribution, [...]]]>

Published: 09:15 a.m., Tuesday, June 1, 2010

From New Times