In 2011, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office began investigating options to bring improved service to the southeastern towns of Columbia County.  The intent was to have a first of its kind, fulltime police station, to service the towns of Hillsdale, Copake and Ancram. After an extensive search and study, the former Hillsdale Town Hall was selected. The location was considered ideal due to its proximity to State Route 22 - the area's major north-south thoroughfare.

On October 29, 2011, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office Hillsdale "sub-station" officially opened. Since that time, one Deputy Sheriff Sergeant and six full-time Deputy Sheriffs have provided a minimum of one patrol each working shift - 24 hours a day. 

With personnel reporting directly to the substation for their tour of duty, the area is never left uncovered. (Previously, there had been a short window of time at the beginning and end of each shift that left the area without coverage, as patrols traveled to and from the Public Safety Building in Greenport for shift change.) This also allows patrols to conduct investigations and complete paperwork right from the sub-station in Hillsdale.  This has not only resulted in expedited response times, but has also resulted in more time spent on police work and community service.

Patrols working out of the Hillsdale sub-station are dispatched through the Sheriff's Office communications center in Greenport.

To reach the communications center, call 518-828-3344. Please call 911 for emergencies.  A call box has also been installed on the front of the sub-station for anyone needing assistance. This call box will connect the directly with the communications center.

In upcoming newsletters, Sheriff Bartlett will provide monthly details about the operations (statistics, public interest calls, and other facts).