The New York State Association of Chiefs of Police has certified the City of Peekskill Police Department under a special sex offender management program, officials announced Thursday.
Established in 2009, Certified Best Practices is a program that acknowledges law enforcement agencies using "proactive and sound" strategies to conduct enforcement, monitor sex offenders and provide community notification, according to a press release.
Peekskill is one of 38 departments across the state to receive the recognition. Its policies and operations were assessed and found to be in compliance with the elements of the Best Practices program, the organization said in the statement.
The caseload for Peekskill detectives includes sex offenders, who they routinely check up on to ensure they are residing at the addresses listed on the sex offender registry.
In addition to having a written policy pertaining to sex offender management, Peekskill officials also showed proof of monitoring offenders, notifying the community, cooperating with other agencies, and enforcement.“We commend the members of the Peekskill Police Department for the exceptional work they do in managing sex offenders in their community," said Association President Steven Heider.
Mayor Mary Foster commended Peekskill Police for "developing model practices in law enforcement and managing sex offenders." The city takes pride in the department's work, she said.
“The City of Peekskill Police Department recognizes the importance of keeping our community informed about the presence of sex offenders and remains committed to monitoring them in a manner considered by the New York State Chiefs of Police as a model for others to follow," Peekskill Chief Eric Johansen said.
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