Ending the War on Drugs: The Start of an Alternative Plan in Poughkeepsie
The War on Drugs is real. On most mornings that I am observing the Poughkeepsie City Court, drug-related charges comprise a significant number of the cases for that day. Judging from the defendants’ mannerisms and utterances, many appear to be struggling with an active drug addiction alongside mental health issues.
Substance use and mental health disorders are a well-documented driver of the local jail population. According to a 2012 needs assessment report by the Criminal Justice Council of Dutchess County, more than 80% of individuals entering the county jail had a history of treatment for a substance use disorder, a mental illness, or both, and more than 20% of inmates were receiving psychiatric care.
Locally, addressing drug use and mental health problems has not been a straightforward process. Recently, high-profile raids have become a frequent tool. In March 2026, the Dutchess County Drug Task Force, flanked by multiple SWAT teams, raided a residence in the City of Poughkeepsie to arrest a dealer distributing crack laced with fentanyl. Just two months later, a raid was conducted on a home in Spackenkill following a string of complaints from neighbors. These efforts may disrupt the drug supply temporarily, but they do nothing to assist those with chemical dependency.
Fortunately, Dutchess County has launched a variety of efforts to treat those with addiction and mental health issues instead of, or alongside, the criminal legal system. For instance, Poughkeepsie police can divert individuals committing a low-level offense (open container, loitering, etc.) to The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program (LEAD), which is designed to intercept behavioral health crises on the streets.
Additionally, the Dutchess County Department of Mental Health (DMH) recently began placing a trained clinician in the Poughkeepsie City Court to manage the mental health needs of those facing criminal charges. I recently spoke with DMH’s clinical program director Eric D’Entrone, who explained that this program is an entirely voluntary service. A person can be referred confidentially by their public defender or simply approach the clinician in the hallway. According to D’Entrone, services include not only "outpatient clinics, behavioral health urgent care, connection to a prescriber, etc., but also community resources… to assist with needs such as housing, food, benefits, etc.”
While these programs are a step in the right direction, if Dutchess County truly wants to address these kinds of behavioral issues, it must stop treating addiction through the criminal-legal system and start funding it as the public health emergency it has always been.
If you are interested in learning more about local efforts to combat the criminalization of mental health issues and substance abuse, come to ENJAN’s next meeting on June 24th, from 6:30 to 8 pm, where Eric D’Entrone will provide an overview of DMH services and answer questions. To join our Zoom meeting, click here and follow the instructions. For more detailed instructions, click here.