Welcome to the City of Kingston, NY

Kingston, dating to the arrival of the Dutch in 1652, is a vibrant city with rich history and architecture, was the state's first capital, and a thriving arts community. City Hall is in the heart of the community at 420 Broadway, and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except July & August (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Come tour our historic City, with restaurants that are among the region's finest, and local shopping that promises unique finds.

Historic Churches

Kingston is home to many historic churches. The oldest church still standing is the First Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Kingston which was organized in 1659. Referred to as The Old Dutch Church, it is located in Uptown Kingston. Many of the city's historic churches populate Wurts street (6 in one block) among them Hudson Valley Wedding Chapel is a recently restored church built in 1867 and now a chapel hosting weddings. Another church in the Rondout is located at 72 Spring Street. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded in 1849. The original church building at the corner of Hunter Street and Ravine Street burned to the ground in the late 1850s. The current church on Spring Street was built in 1874.

Kingston, NY

Kingston became New York's first capital in 1777, and was burned by the British on October 13, 1777, after the Battles of Saratoga. In the 19th century, the city became an important transport hub after the discovery of natural cement in the region, and had both railroad and canal connections.

Kingston, NY

The town of Rondout, New York, now a part of the city of Kingston, became an important freight hub for the transportation of coal from Honesdale, Pennsylvania to New York City through the Delaware and Hudson Canal. This hub was later used to transport other goods, including bluestone. Kingston shaped and shipped most of the bluestone made to create the sidewalks of New York City.

Contact Us

City Hall Address:
420 Broadway
Kingston, New York
12401

Phone:
(845) 331-0080
Email:
[email protected]

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City of Kingston Police Commission

Latest updates

- The New York State Attorney General has released a public information guide on marijuana conviction expungement.

- Pastor Donald Mapes, Jr. has been appointed to the Police Commission. Read the announcement here.

- Shaniqua Bowden has been appointed to the Police Commission. Read the announcement here.

- Link to Resolution 116 of 2020 Police Accountability

Meet the Commissioners

Steven T. Noble, Mayor (Chairperson)

Brad Jordan (Commissioner-5/31/2027)

Donald Mapes, Jr. (Commissioner-5/31/2027)

Shaniqua Bowden (Commissioner-5/31/2024)

Anthony Davis (Commissioner-5/31/2027)

Function and Duties of the Police Commission

Hiring police officers
Recommend disciplinary action
Recommend dismissal
Approve promotions and raises
Approve all in-service training
Approve time off for personnel
The option to require a doctor’s note for paid sick leave or require a physical exam and the ability to choose the physician.
The approval of PTO for the PBA Union president to attend annual meetings

File a Complaint

KPD Citizen's Compliment Complaint Form (downloadable/fillable pdf)

KPD Online Compliment/Complaint Form

Citizen's Compliment Complaint Form Brochure

Ulster County Sheriff's Office Complaint Form

New York State Police Complaint Form

About the Complaint Process: When a complaint is filed against an employee of the Kingston Police Department, the Deputy Chief of Police is responsible for investigating, gathering and reviewing any and all documentation, pertaining to the complaint. In cases where the complainant is available, the Deputy Chief will interview the complainant for any additional details. The Deputy Chief will then prepare a summary that will be reviewed by the Chief of Police. The Chief will then submit the files to the Police Commission, which will conduct their own review and make a determination as to the status of the complaint.

In most cases, the following statuses are used:

Unfounded—complaint or incident is false or not factual.

Exonerated—complaint or incident did occur but the employee’s actions were lawful and proper.

Not Sustained—complaint or incident is not supported by sufficient evidence of misconduct by department personnel.

Sustained—complaint or incident is supported by sufficient evidence of misconduct by department personnel.

Disciplinary Action & Criminal Charges

If a police officer commits a crime, the case will go to the District Attorney and depending on the details of the criminal offense, it may be transferred to the State Attorney General.

If the police commission decides that an employee of the KPD has acted in a manner warranting disciplinary action or dismissal, as per the PBA (Police Benevolent Association) contract, the officer in question can appeal the decision. The decision will then go into arbitration where an independent arbitrator will make the final determination as to whether the KPC's decision will be upheld or dismissed.

This process can take up to a year. During this time, the officer may be on desk duty, on paid leave, or may patrol from time to time if there is a staff shortage. The PBA contract requires that a certain number of officers patrol during every shift. This entire process is mandated through the current PBA contract and negotiated during collective bargaining.

Upcoming and Archived meetings

- Latest commission meetings can be found here.

- Agendas and recordings can be found at: https://kingston-ny.gov/Agendas

Relevant Documents

City of Kingston Charter

Collective Bargaining Agreement City of Kingston & PBA Union contract (2016)

Collective Bargaining Agreement City of Kingston & PBA Union Contract (2023)

Accountability legislation

Kingston Police Department Policy Manual

FAQs

COMING SOON

Contact the Commission