POUGHKEEPSIE — Dutchess County Democratic legislators, joined by supporters from the Democratic Socialists of America and For the Many, have voiced support for the Mandating End of Lawless Tactics (MELT) Act, a proposed state bill that would require all law enforcement officers in New York, including federal immigration enforcement agents, to wear uniforms, name badges and agency identification. The legislation would also prohibit law enforcement from wearing masks, except for medical-grade masks or respirators used for protection from airborne hazards.

The Dutchess County Legislature voted Monday night to support the MELT Act in a non-binding memorialization resolution.

The only other exceptions to the mask ban, aside from medical-grade masks, would be for SWAT team members while carrying out their duties.

DCDTF masked agents will have to reveal their faces during drug raids.

If state lawmakers pass the MELT Act as written, local law enforcement agents working undercover, including members of the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, would be restricted in executing search warrants or raids on suspected drug dealers after task force investigations.  Drug task force agents typically make undercover narcotics purchases from suspects, then take part in search warrant raids at the suspects’ locations. During these raids, undercover agents usually wear civilian clothing and masks to protect their identities and the integrity of ongoing investigations.

If the MELT Act becomes law, masked agents would not be able to participate in these raids without revealing their identities, which law enforcement officials say would greatly reduce the effectiveness of investigations.

Speakers from the DSA and For the Many supported the MELT Act, citing concerns about federal immigration enforcement practices, but did not address the bill’s impact on local law enforcement.

County Legislator Randy Johnson, a Democrat representing the City of Poughkeepsie, opposed the MELT Act, telling colleagues it would interfere with the work of the county’s drug task force. “Members of that unit wear masks because of their undercover work, and the state MELT bill would strip them of their masks, destroying the effectiveness of the undercover agents who keep drugs off our streets in the City of Poughkeepsie,” Johnson said. “I can’t support any bill that handcuffs our cops who keep drugs off our streets and out of our neighborhoods.”

County Sheriff Kirk Imperati said the MELT Act would substantially undermine the drug task force’s effectiveness. “I’m all for accountability and transparency, but this legislation puts our drug task force agents in danger,” Imperati said. “They come in contact with violent criminals and members of organized crime during their investigations, and when performing a search warrant, it is paramount that the agent protects their identity for future investigations and, most importantly, to protect themselves and their families.” Imperati said he hopes lawmakers in Albany will consider concerns raised by law enforcement organizations before a final vote.

 County District Attorney Anthony Parisi, a Democrat, acknowledged that the MELT Act will adversely affect the drug task force’s work.  He explained it in simple terms, saying, “Members of our drug task force routinely investigate dangerous individuals and organized criminal activity. In those settings, the ability to protect an officer’s identity is not about avoiding accountability; it is about safeguarding their lives, their families, and the integrity of ongoing and future investigations.”

He addressed the language of the state proposal, saying, “Transparency and accountability in law enforcement are critical, and I respect the intent behind this legislation, Parisi said, adding, “But as drafted, the bill contains ambiguous language that will create real uncertainty in the field and, inevitably, in the courtroom.”  The top cop for Dutchess County also said, “As this legislation moves forward, I believe there is a responsible path that balances transparency with officer safety and effective prosecution. Thoughtful adjustments, particularly for high-risk operations, will help ensure we build public trust without compromising the very work that keeps our communities safe.”

Democratic legislators, including Public Safety Committee Chairman Eric Alexander, who represents District 25, acknowledged the legislation is flawed without exceptions for units such as the drug task force but voted to support the state’s “imperfect bill.”

The resolution passed with 13 Democrats in favor, while eight Republicans and one Democrat opposed it. The memorialization is non-binding and carries no legal impact.
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