The mission of the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department is to provide twenty-four-hour police coverage to both the residents of the Town of Poughkeepsie and to those people who are traveling through our jurisdiction. We are dedicated to serving and protecting the people within our boundaries. The services that police officers provide involve many varied and, at times, complex duties and responsibilities. However, the basic mission of policing can best be met by creating and maintaining a feeling of security among the people in our community.

The duties and responsibilities that the police officers of the Town of Poughkeepsie are charged with are numerous. However, most are targeted at reducing crime rates, reducing the opportunity to commit crimes, identifying and apprehending violators, prosecuting offenders, recovering and returning property, and providing the public with services as necessary. These goals are accomplished by but are not limited to preserving the peace, enforcing all applicable laws, codes, and ordinances, protecting the life, property, and personal safety of all persons, and assisting all citizens in times of need. 

The oath of office administered to each member at the time of employment is their personal commitment to serve all our citizens with impartiality and fairness. Each police officer in the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department must carry out these duties without allowing personal feelings, animosities, or prejudices to influence their actions. We are public servants and are expected to perform our duties diligently and as courteously as possible, even under extreme conditions.