Schoharie County Sheriff Ron Stevens (pictured) has announced he will not run for a third term as Sheriff.

He became Schoharie County Sheriff in 2018. Before that, he served as Schoharie County Undersheriff for seven years, during which time he secured more than 4.2 million dollars in state and federal grants at no cost to the County. As Sheriff, he has continued to procure available grant funding for the sustainment and enhancement of Schoharie County's communications infrastructure and to date has secured an excess of 10 million dollars. He is a 33-year veteran of the New York State Police, and a US Army Bronze Star Vietnam Veteran.

In response to an ongoing issue faced by Sheriff’s Offices, State Senator Mark Walczyk and Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush have introduced legislation (S8448) aimed at increasing the reimbursement rate for Sheriff's Offices housing "state-ready" inmates.

The current reimbursement rate of $100 a day was set in 1988 and has not been revised since, resulting in significant budget overruns for many Sheriff’s Offices. The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office has spent more than $300,000 to support state-ready inmates whose transfers to state prisons have been delayed. Sheriff Rick Engle (pictured) brought the matter to the lawmakers’ attention, stating, "Counties are losing significant resources while waiting for the state to take responsibility."

Under the proposed bill, local governments would receive a reimbursement of $300 per day per inmate for the first ten days of incarceration, increasing to $600 per day thereafter, or the actual per capita cost, whichever is higher, noted Senator Walczyk. “This bill aims not only to provide much-needed financial relief to counties, but also to incentivize the state to expedite the transfer of these individuals to appropriate facilities without delay.” Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush agrees with Walczyk's sentiments, stating, "I am proud to be the Assembly sponsor."

Numerous Sheriffs expressed their gratitude to the lawmakers for proposing the bill:

"It's been a long time coming for this adjustment. Counties are nickel and dimed every day. My sincere thanks . . . for introducing this legislation, which will help ease the burden on Lewis County taxpayers and help keep residents safe," said Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli (pictured).

"I support Senator Walczyk one hundred percent in this jointly sponsored legislation. New York State has swindled the counties for years in the reimbursement of state-ready individuals, and it is long overdue for immediate attention on this matter," stated Sheriff Peter Barnett of Jefferson County (pictured).

Herkimer County Sheriff Scott Scherer (pictured) added, "This legislation addresses an urgent need and helps ensure that our local law enforcement can focus on keeping our communities safe without the burden of rising costs. It’s time for the state to step up and fulfill its responsibilities."

Hamilton County Sheriff Karl G. Abrams echoed the Sheriffs' sentiments, stating, "Counties have been shortchanged by the state on this matter for years. It’s high time we ease the burden on taxpayers. This bill will go a long way in allowing my office to better serve and protect the residents of Hamilton County while also lessening the tax burden on an already overtaxed population."

Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton (pictured) stated, "This legislation is a vital step toward alleviating the financial strain on our counties and ensuring that we can provide the necessary care and resources for individuals in our custody."

Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino (pictured) remarked, “Senator Walczyk’s jointly sponsored legislation on reimbursement goes a long way in supporting the sheriffs in housing state-ready inmates. The financial burden to our counties is far greater than the $100 currently allowed. I wholeheartedly support the full reimbursement act.”

[Editor’s Note – It is clear that the proposed legislation is popular with Sheriffs. Unfortunately, both sponsors of the legislation are part of the Minority party and the likelihood that the legislation will be adopted is small, unless Albany comes to its senses.]

Police 1, an online news resource from the Lexipol Media Group, recently ran an article noting that the number of Line-of-Duty deaths are running at the lowest level recorded in more than a century.

For more information about this significant benchmark and to learn about the group Below 100, click the badge above for the complete article.

A Power Trio – On July 24, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (center in photo) hosted the 2^nd New York First Responders Summit in Washington, D.C. The Summit provides an opportunity to hear from experts and first responders about topics such as federal grants, funding opportunities and recruitment challenges, engaging in discussions with elected officials from New York and across the country.  

In attendance at the Summit were Steuben County Sheriff James Allard (left in photo) and Chautauqua County Sheriff / NYSSA President James Quattrone, who was invited by the Senator's Office to serve as Moderator for the panel discussion on Grants for Police Departments and Sheriff’s Offices.

Shortly after the Summit, Sheriff Allard (pictured above) was at a Wellness Symposium hosted by SUNY Cortland, where he spoke about the proposed Wellness Center at the Sheriffs’ Institute Summer Camp in Penn Yan. Thank you, Sheriffs, for your advocacy on these important issues.

Photo above courtesy of Chenango County Undersheriff Dustin Smietana.

In late June, State Attorney General Letitia James released the report, “Public Safety: Problems Presented by Police and Vehicle Pursuits,” which proposed reforms she said would “help keep New Yorkers safe” by banning high-speed pursuits with narrow exceptions, including cases where serious or violent felony has been or will be committed or when the driver’s conduct poses an imminent threat of death to themselves, bystanders, or police officers. Narrow exceptions for use of high-speed police pursuits would eliminate police chases that risk harming drivers, passengers, bystanders, and officers.

Several Sheriffs from Central New York responded to the AG’s proposal:

“The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office has always taken the safety of our motoring public into account when determining whether or not to pursue suspects and violators,” observed Ontario County Sheriff Dave Cirencione (pictured). “Our pursuit policies give patrol supervisors the authority to terminate pursuits for public safety reasons. We have not pursued suspects who commit simple vehicle and traffic violations and refuse to stop for our officers in a number of years.”

Seneca County Sheriff Timothy Thompson, Jr.(pictured) said his Office has seen an increasing number of drivers who refuse to comply with traffic stops.

“It is my opinion that they run due to the lack of impactful consequences for their actions. I will always support anything that keeps our communities safer, but I believe that we should start with stiffer penalties for those that flee from police. It is the actions of criminals that are putting the public in danger.”

Wayne County Sheriff Robert Milby (pictured) claims the Attorney General’s Office is “committed to demonizing law enforcement and placing the blame for criminal behavior on those who are sworn to enforce our laws,” adding there is an “erosion of the criminal justice system” in New York.

“We are seeing crime rise as people become educated on our softening processes and the fact that they will not, most likely, be held accountable for their deeds. When are we going to stop letting folks hold court in the street, be oppositional to authority, and actually receive support for doing unlawful things? [It] should be a felony to flee law enforcement for any reason, and sanctions for doing so should be high.”

Yates County Sheriff Frank Ryan (pictured) said his department developed pursuit policies starting in 1996 and that “they are constantly reviewed and revised.”

His Office does give Deputies latitude on how to respond if an operator refuses to comply based on a number of factors and noted that with the technological advances — such as license-plate readers and computer and radio communications — many pursuits can be avoided.

“However, there are times when they may be necessary,” Sheriff Ryan added. “It is all about public safety, reducing the threat of harm to the people we serve, while still enforcing the laws of the State of New York.”

The American Constitutional Rights Union (ACRU) presented Nassau County Sheriff Anthony J. LaRocco (pictured) with the Union’s prestigious Defender Award for his partnership with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“This award acknowledges the leadership and dedication to preserving American citizens’ rights to safety and security through their partnership with the 287(g) program,” said ACRU Executive Director Col. Allen West. “Well done.”

The Madison County Sheriff's Office has agreed to a partnership with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, participating in the "Warrant Service Officer" model of the 287(g) program, where select officers will be trained to execute warrants on illegal immigrants in their custody.

With this model, explained Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood (pictured), suspects in custody for criminal charges can be detained 48 hours and transported to an ICE facility if they are known to have illegal immigrant status according to ICE’s database, which will be available to the Sheriff’s Office.

"This is just another way that we can cooperate with the federal agencies to get things done and to keep people safe," Hood said. "With this agreement, we'll have information regarding ICE, who they're going after."

From the Greene County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page:

“The Greene County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with other local law enforcement agencies and community partners, announced the official launch of its new Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), a specialized program designed to improve responses to individuals experiencing mental health and substance abuse crises within the community. This initiative reflects a collaborative effort between law enforcement, mental health providers, and emergency services to provide compassionate and effective care while prioritizing the safety of both individuals in crisis and responders.

“Pictured above are members from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Athens Police Department, Catskill Police Department, Greene County Office of Mental Health, Greene County Paramedics and Coxsackie Ambulance that recently completed the required training.”

The recent arrest and release of a repeat offender has left Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter frustrated.

“Get him this help if that’s what he needs, but to release him back to the streets, that’s absurd," said Sheriff Baxter. "We are not doing anyone any favors.” Referring to the equipment and manpower involved dealing with the actions of repeat offenders, Sheriff Baxter notes “It’s taking that public safety from the other people that deserve to have police officers in their neighborhood."

Baxter wants the Protect Act bill passed to address gaps in bail reform, aiming to give judges more power to detain potentially dangerous offenders awaiting trial.

“There needs to be a clearly defined repeat offender. When a judge looks at someone they need to clearly define this is a repeat offender based on statute,” said Baxter.

Summer would not be the season of outdoor fun without taking advantage of County Fairs and the Sheriffs’ Institute Summer Camp. Sheriffs and their staff across the State did just that, shown in the following photo collection. Thank you all for your support of these cherished institutions.

Fair Enough – At the Broome County Fair, Sheriff Fred Akshar (above left) greets a furry friend.

Ready to Roll – Jefferson County Sheriff Peter Barnett (at the wheel) in the Office's ATV at the Jefferson County Fair

Honor and Respect – Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard at the Boonville-Oneida County Fair

Cowabunga! – Making friends at the Oswego County Fair

Where’s the Cotton Candy? – A cool gathering on a hot summer night at the Cortland County Fair

The Gang’s All Here – Members of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office gather at the Fairgrounds substation during the Saratoga County Fair, with Undersheriff Jeff Brown and Sheriff Michael Zurlo at far left and second from left, respectively.

Now Boarding for Fun – Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti (at right in photo) with to-be campers waiting for others to join the group.

Paddle On – Chemung County Sheriff’s Deputy Joe Parisi (at left) teams up with staff to instruct safe boating techniques to a camper.

On the Move – Orleans County Sheriff Christopher Bourke (back row, right) with his gang before boarding the vans to Camp.

Wild in Wayne County – Sheriff Robert Milby (at left) has a fun photo op with campers on the way to the Sheriffs’ Institute Camp.

Give up on the identity of the young man in the left photo? It’s Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond from his High School yearbook.

Last month, Sheriff DuMond, a 1985 graduate of the Sidney Central School District, was honored by the Sidney Central School Alumni Association with his induction onto the “Wall of Fame” for distinguished alumni and educators, and for his exemplary service in Law Enforcement and Public Safety. Congratulations, Sheriff!

Tops in Care – Steuben County Sheriff James Allard reports that the Steuben County Jail received national accreditation for its health services from the Accreditation and Standards Committee of the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC). Sheriff Allard thanks and congratulates Major David Sutton and the entire Corrections Division team for their diligence and hard work, which made this accreditation possible. “We continue to strive to create a universal culture of utilizing only the best standards established in our industry to provide our best possible service to all Steuben County residents,” noted Sheriff Allard.

Pictured above (left to right) are Sheriff Allard, Deputy Smith, Captain Mills and Major Sutton.

Law Enforcement Supervisors Conference | September 10 – 12

This year’s continuing education training program for Law Enforcement Supervisors will be held at the at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Saratoga Springs. Click on the link above to register.

Jail Administrators Conference | September 15 – 18

The Conference returns to the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs and is open to Jail Administrators who manage our County jails, which range in inmate capacity form 50 to over 2,000. This Conference is attended by well over 100 Jail Administrators and 30 exhibitors.

New York State Sheriffs' Association Summer Conference

The 91^st meeting of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Summer Training Conference took place last month in Lake George, hosted by Warren County Sheriff Jim LaFarr and packed with information sessions and vendor exhibits. There was also time for off-session social events in the Lake George area. A few highlights are below:

Chautauqua County Sheriff and NYSSA President James Quattrone (pictured) presided over the business sessions and introduced guest speakers.

Joe Popcun (in left photo), Executive Deputy Commissioner from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, provided updates on action items within the Division and answered questions, including one from Steuben County Sheriff James Allard (center in right photo).

Sheriffs in Support – Session attendees pose with Special Olympian Ed Lawless (front row with red shirt next to Sheriff Quattrone) after his presentation on the importance of the program to youth throughout the state.

Warren County Sheriff Jim LaFarr (in left photo) welcomed Sheriffs, Undersheriffs and their guests to NYSSA’s Annual Dinner at the Fort William Henry Hotel in Lake George. Retired Ontario County Sheriff Phil Povero (right) provided the blessing before the meal.

Stairway of Law-Enforcement Brethren – Sheriffs at the dinner gather on the ballroom stairway for a group shot. More than 30 Sheriffs attended the various seminars and business sessions offered at the Summer Conference.

Sing Out, Sheriff! – Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey Murphy (right) performs a song with Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault (left). The Kyle Bourgault Band is an established band playing original music from two professionally recorded CDs in Nashville, TN as well as high-energy covers from notable country and rock performers.

Critical Updates – Jackie Bray (pictured), Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, made a special visit to tell Sheriffs about anticipated cuts to federally funded programs over the coming months.

Below, Royal Canadian Mounted Police personnel (l – r) Dale Foote, Marie-Josee Darveau and Matt Peggs gave a detailed presentation on Border Integrity along the Ontario and Quebec Borders shared with New York State. Following that, Wayne County Sheriff Rob Milby gave a status review as Chair of NYSSA’s Northern Border Security Committee, with guests from the U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Sector Intelligence Unit.

From Seed to Feed - Broome County Bounty, Chapter II

From the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page:

“Another week, another bountiful harvest from the Correctional Facility Garden! Peppers, zucchini, squash, cucumbers, radishes, husk cherry tomatoes and more are all coming in beautifully and our corn and pumpkins are showing great progress.

“All of this week's harvest went to our friends at the CHOW food pantry. Thanks, as always, to our community partners, including Cornell Cooperative Extension Broome County for all their help making this garden project a continued success!

“Last week's harvest went straight to the kitchen to be prepped for our trustee gardeners who've helped grow it to enjoy. Our harvests may not be enough to share with the entire facility, but if our expansions continue, someday it just might be!”