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Tuckahoe police outline recruitment push, traffic sensors and drone training
Summary
Chief Larry Rhoda reported a Feb. 24 filing deadline for the county police exam, progress on traffic-sensor installations, completion of an in-house drone training program and expanded officer wellness efforts.
Chief of Police Larry Rhoda updated the Board of Trustees Feb. 10 on staffing, technology and training in the Tuckahoe Police Department.
Rhoda said Westchester County's civil-service police exam filing window closes Feb. 24 and the department is running a social-media and flyer campaign to encourage local applicants. "The DNA of our department comes from members of the community," Rhoda said, urging residents to consider the exam.
The department has installed traffic-sensor hardware at multiple village locations. Rhoda said sensors are in place at Depot Square, Lake Avenue at Scarzell Road and Marbledale at Main Street; the Marbledale unit is functioning and the Depot Square unit requires underground cabling repairs before it is fully operational.
Rhoda described a recent in-house training initiative that included a six-day mandatory program for officers and a specialized drone-training course. He said four officers completed drone training and the department hosted the course locally; Eastchester Fire trained eight members to use the same drones. "We're not talking about the drones that we're seeing on TV," Rhoda said, describing small drones intended for missing-person searches, rooftop assessments and event monitoring. The department currently has one drone and is pursuing grant funding for a thermal/night-capable unit.
Officer wellness and mental-health supports were a major focus. Rhoda said the department expanded its officer-wellness program in 2024, adding an employee-assistance program contact, canine therapy "Eddie" and designated sergeants for mental-health responsibilities. The chief said the department aims to be fully staffed by June.
Rhoda also reminded residents that the village-wide speed limit is 25 mph and warned of recent high-end auto thefts targeting Range Rovers in surrounding communities. He advised residents to secure keys and be aware of surroundings.
The board thanked the chief and asked staff to continue outreach on recruitment and to provide updates as drone capability and traffic-sensor systems become fully operational.
