An article in the National Sheriffs’ Association member magazine, Sheriff & Deputy (November / December 2024), profiles the work of three Sheriff’s Offices in New York State on their “successful deflection and pre-arrest diversion programs.”

“New York is at the forefront of innovative programs,” the article begins. “Although many Sheriff’s Offices are engaged in deflection efforts in New York, three . . . programs have developed over time and are now garnering successful outcomes for their citizens.”

— Albany County Sheriff's Office —

The Office launched its Sheriff’s Homeless Improvement Program (SHIP) in response to an increasing number of homeless people and a decrease in jail population.

“I thought, ‘Why not convert one of the old housing units at the jail into a homeless shelter,'” reported Sheriff Craig Apple (pictured, center, with regional leaders). “Especially since we have direct access to a wide array of services that we already provide at our facility.”

The article notes how “residents’ success is attributed to the holistic, person-centered approach that allows SHIP to give every individual the personal attention they need to overcome barriers and succeed.”

“We aren’t doing anything above and beyond,” noted Sheriff Apple in the article. “We are just humans helping other humans, and sometimes a little compassion can go a long way.”

— Saratoga County Sheriff's Office —

The Second Chance Program is now in its seventh year and since its inception “has conducted follow-ups with every overdose call in the County – regardless of substance – to engage the survivor and their families with treatment.”

“On more than one occasion during a follow-up, the victim said they were familiar with the program through word of mouth,” said Captain Daniel Morley (pictured). “This has instilled victims’ trust in us . . . that we are genuinely there to help them.”

The program’s work has resulted in representatives of the Sheriff’s Office serving on local advisory boards, expanding the pool of resources.

“This program has literally redefined what it means to help someone from a law enforcement perspective,” said Sheriff Michael Zurlo.

— Ulster County Sheriff's Office —

O.R.A.C.L.E. stands for the Opioid Response as County Law Enforcement program and has been responding to emergency calls since 2019. Response teams coordinate treatment options and available transport to treatment facilities. The team also provides resources to families and loved ones. The Sheriff’s Office receives overdose reports from every police department in the County. Weekly meetings are scheduled with service providers.

Over the last five years, O.R.A.C.L.E. has provided more than four thousand training courses, 125 naloxone boxes and vending machines, distributed nearly five thousand naloxone kits, received over 750 referrals and seen a 56% retention rate beyond 60 days.

“As Sheriffs, we can change concepts and culture within a community to make a positive change regarding substance use and the stigma associated with this overdose epidemic,” said Sheriff Juan Figueroa (pictured).

For further details on each Sheriff’s Office program, read the full article in Sheriff & Deputy.

The new Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy (NCLEA) training center (above) is officially open.

The $8.3 million, 14,000 square-foot center was developed in partnership with Niagara County, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and SUNY Niagara. It represents the largest investment in public safety ever taken in Niagara County.

“We are entering a new era of law enforcement,” Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti (pictured) said during the opening ceremony, “and I’m excited to show you what that looks like. It is only fitting that we cut the ribbon during the 50th anniversary of the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy. We look forward to many years of this great facility providing high-quality training to new recruits and correction officers.”

Building highlights include a virtual simulator for police response training and a reality-based training area to prepare for active threats, as well as classrooms with movable walls and fully equipped locker rooms.

Ontario County Deputy Sheriff Molly Turnbull was en route to assist a State Trooper with a resisting arrest call earlier this month when her patrol car collided with an SUV. The Deputy suffered serious injuries and was freed from the vehicle by a Sheriff’s Sergeant and a firefighter. She underwent surgery for internal injuries resulting from the crash.

Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione – pictured at left with Deputy Turnbull at her graduation from the Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Academy – noted that Deputy Turnbull was released from the hospital just before Christmas and will continue her recovery.

A New York State Supreme Court Judge ruled that a Steuben County local law not to indemnify Sheriff Jim Allard's position was unlawful and invalid, and an act of bad faith to "punish" the sheriff.

Sheriff Allard (pictured) legally challenged a 2023 decision by the Steuben County Legislature not to indemnify his position, forcing him to purchase his own liability insurance. The entire incident cost the Sheriff $50,000 out of his own pocket.

The County eventually repealed its resolution requiring the Sheriff to obtain liability insurance. The resolutions were paused until the case was heard in court, with final arguments made September 10 and the decision announced in late November.

“I’m happy with the decision,” said Sheriff Allard. “I'm glad that justice prevailed, but I am sad at the waste of time, resources, and money that it took to get here when it was unnecessary to begin with.”

The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office has launched a program that allows people to call 911 and then live-stream with the Dispatcher.

Sheriff David Cirencione said that live-streaming with Dispatchers has many uses.

“If somebody is in cardiac arrest in the field and we are giving CPR instructions up here, the dispatcher can actually watch the CPR being performed and determine if it’s effective or if things need to be done to change up the procedure a little bit, to offer that maximum level of care in the field before first responders get there.”

Putting Pedals to the Metal – Left to Right: Columbia County Sheriff’s Captain Patrick Delaney (Program Manager), Undersheriff Jackie Salvatore, Sheriff Donald J. Krapf, Shop Dog Sky, Berkshire Bike and Board owner Dave Clark (back), Shop Manager Vic Sparano and Service Writer Noah Kornbluh.



The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has launched a program called “Wheels of Justice.” The program will teach incarcerated people the basics of bicycle maintenance, which includes how to change tires, brakes and chains. The Sheriff’s Office will partner with Berkshire Bike and Board of Greenport on the new program.

Berkshire Bike and Board will train a Sheriff’s Office staff member in bike maintenance, who will then teach incarcerated individuals the basics of bicycle maintenance. The Sheriff’s Office has 20 to 30 bikes they will use to start the program.

Columbia County Sheriff’s Captain Patrick Delaney said the program gives incarcerated individuals the chance to learn a new skill they will be able to bring back to the community upon their release.

“The program is still in its infancy and we’re still rolling it out,” noted Captain Delaney. “It’s a very new idea, but we’re trying to expand our programs here at the jail. What’s going to happen is that these individuals will learn how to repair the bikes. Once they’re released, they can bring this skill back to their communities.”

The repaired bicycles will be issued to ReEntry Columbia in Hudson where they will be distributed to formerly incarcerated people upon their release.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office has achieved law enforcement accreditation from the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services.

In a statement by Sheriff Kevin McConville, "I am proud of the men and women of the Sheriff's Office. It was a long road to achieve this honor, and it is a testament to the job that they do on a daily basis to protect and serve the citizens of Putnam County."

In the photo above from left to right are Captain John Alfano, Senior Investigator Randall Hill, Sergeant William Rossiter, Captain Michael Knox, Sheriff McConville, Undersheriff Thomas Lindert, Captain James Schepperly and First Sergeant Johnathon Cihanek.

The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office received reaccreditation from the New York State Sheriffs’ Association for maintaining high professional standards and best practices of its Jail Division. A plaque acknowledging the achievement was presented during a recent County Board of Supervisors meeting, with NYSSA Executive Director Peter Kehoe (far left in photo) representing the Association.

“This milestone is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team,” said Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione (far right in photo) in response to the recognition. “We strive to ensure the highest level of safety, professionalism, and care for our community.”

Basic School for the SRO | January 9 – 13, 2025

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association Committee on Policing and Safeguarding Schools (C-PASS), in conjunction with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (NYS DCJS), announces a Basic School for the SRO course created by the NYS DCJS.

This MPTC Certified course will equip an officer with the necessary knowledge on how to navigate the difficult task of policing in a school setting.

Lessons will encompass a wide variety of topics including but not limited to developing school partnerships, juvenile law, and emergency response tactics within a school.

This course will be presented by NYS DCJS certified instructors, educators, and topic experts in their respective fields. Click the link above for registration and program details.

The Sheriffs’ Winter Training Conference coincides with the start of the New York State Legislature session, emphasizing an analysis of legislative matters of concern to Sheriffs and identifying legislative priorities for the future. Programs also address current topics of importance to Sheriffs in law enforcement, corrections, court security and civil matters.

Sheriffs also meet personally and informally with many state legislators and top state administrators to discuss important legislative and administrative issues. Click the link above to register for the Conference.

Travel to Washington, DC and meet high-level leadership from federal agencies, members of Congress and very active Sheriffs who come together to explore current legislation, learn about relevant topics and explore trending technologies and products. Click the above link for more information and to register.

Save the dates for the Committee on Policing and Safeguarding Schools (C-PASS) Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs. Registration will start soon, but the link above provides a brief video and to-date speaker information. This is a not-to-miss event for School Resource Officers and School Resource Deputies.

As the darker days of winter descend, bright lights shine forth everywhere with acts of giving to others in need. Sheriff’s Offices throughout the state were in full throttle with toy and clothing drives, Shop with a Cop programs, meals delivery and more.

Above, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office displays its bounty of gifts destined for area families that made the season more joyful for all.

The next File 25 will profile Sheriff’s Offices that devote their time, talent and treasure during the holidays to bring hope and goodwill to all in their communities.