Mental Health Psychiatric Emergencies CPEP Program at Stony Brook .....................................................................................................(631) 444-6050 Pilgrim Crisis Center (Non-emergency) ....................................................................................... (631) 761-2929 Mental Health Hotline ................................................................................................................... (631) 952-3333 Mobile Crisis Team (Adults & Children) ........................................................................................ (631) 952-3333 Response Hotline ......................................................................................................................... (631) 751-7500 Suicide Prevention Lifeline ........................................................................................................... (800) 273-TALK Talbot House 24-hr. Substance Abuse Crisis ............................................................................... (631) 589-4144 DASH Suffolk County Mobile Crisis Team .................................................................................... (631) 952-3333 Crisis Intervention Domestic Violence Sexual Assault 24-hr. Hotline ........................................................................ (631) 360-3606 Long Island Council of Alcoholism & Drug Dependency ............................................................. (631) 979-1700 APS (Adult Protective Services) .................................................................................................. (631) 854-3195 CPS (Child Protective Services) .................................................................................................. (800) 342-3720 SC Department of Social Services Emergency Services Hotline ................................................ (631) 854-9100 Long Island Crisis Center ............................................................................................................. (516) 679-1111 RESPONSE Crisis Center ........................................................................................................... (631) 751-7500 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ............................................................................................ (800) 273-TALK COPLINE ..................................................................................................................................... (800) 267-5463 Crisis Text Line ................................................................................................................. Text "BLUE" to 741741 Psychiatric Hospitals Brookhaven Memorial Hospital .................................................................................................... (631) 654-7760 Brunswick Hall (Adults) ................................................................................................................ (631) 789-7130 Brunswick Hall (Children 5-17) ..................................................................................................... (631) 789-7000 Eastern Long Island Hospital ............................................................................................ (631) 477-1000 x5394 Huntington Hospital ...................................................................................................................... (631) 351-2434 Mather Memorial Hospital (Adults 18+) ............................................................................. (631) 473-1320 x5800 Mather Memorial Hospital (Children 12-17) ...................................................................... (631) 473-1320 x5820 Pilgrim Psychiatric Center (NYSOMH) ......................................................................................... (631) 761-3500 Sagamore Children's Psychiatric Center ..................................................................................... (631) 370-1700 South Oaks Hospital .................................................................................................................... (631) 264-4000 St. Catherine of Sienna Medical Center ....................................................................................... (631) 862-3000 Stony Brook Pediatric Emergency Department ............................................................................ (631) 638-3500 Veterans Administration Medical Center ........................................................................... (631) 261-4400 x2785 Brookhaven Mental Health Center Emergency Room Access ..................................................... (631) 447-3048 Information/Referral (Non-emergency) Association for Mental Health & Wellness Helpline ...................................................................... (631) 226-3900 Suffolk Division for Community Mental Hygiene .......................................................................... (631) 853-8500 Department of Social Services Hotline ........................................................................................ (631) 854-9100 NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) ............................................................................................ (800) 597-8481 Long Island Office of Mental Health ............................................................................................. (631) 761-2508 Brentwood Mental Health Clinic ................................................................................................... (631) 853-7300 Brookhaven Mental Health Center, Shirley .................................................................................. (631) 852-1070 Brookhaven Mental Health Center, Patchogue ............................................................................ (631) 854-1222 Buckman Center, Brentwood ....................................................................................................... (631) 761-3746 Catholic Charities, Bay Shore Center .......................................................................................... (631) 665-6707 Catholic Charities, Medford Center .............................................................................................. (631) 654-1919 Community Counseling Services ................................................................................................. (631) 874-0185 Farmingville Mental Health Center ............................................................................................... (631) 854-2552 Suffolk On Track South Oaks ....................................................................................................... (631) 608-5558 Family Service League, Iovino South Shore Family Center ......................................................... (631) 647-3100 Family Service League, Central Islip Clinic .................................................................................. (631) 663-4300 Family Service League, East Hampton Center ............................................................................ (631) 324-3344 Family Service League, East Yaphank Center ............................................................................. (631) 924-3741 Family Service League, Family Counseling West Hampton Beach ............................................. (631) 288-1954 Family Service League, Mattituck Center .................................................................................... (631) 298-8642 Family Service League, Olsten Family Center ............................................................................. (631) 427-3700 Family Service League, Huntington ............................................................................................. (631) 396-2300 Family Service League, Riverhead Center ................................................................................... (631) 369-0104 Family Service League, Sterlington Commons ............................................................................ (631) 477-4067 Family Wellness Center ................................................................................................................ (631) 273-1300 New Horizons ............................................................................................................................... (631) 257-5173 Hampton Psychological Center .................................................................................................... (631) 255-7715 Hope House Ministries ................................................................................................................. (631) 928-2377 SCO Madonna Heights Services ................................................................................................. (631) 253-3480 Opti Healthcare Mental Health Centers, Meadow Glen Center .................................................... (631) 360-4700 Opti Healthcare Mental Health Centers, Riverhead Center ......................................................... (631) 284-5500 Peconic Center - Pilgrim Outpatient Center ................................................................................. (631) 369-1277 Riverhead Jail Mental Health Unit ................................................................................................ (631) 852-1851 Riverhead Mental Health Center .................................................................................................. (631) 852-1440 Skills Unlimited Mental Health Clinic ............................................................................................ (631) 567-1626 South Oaks Affiliate ...................................................................................................................... (631) 608-5620 ​

Corrections Division Statistics Mental Health Links New Hire Demographics Jail Population Statistics Grievance Statistics Use of Force Report Use of Force Policy Data Driven Justice Covid Stats

Sandy Hook Promise In December of 2017, then Sheriff-Elect Errol Toulon, Jr. attended a gala in New York City for the Sandy Hook Promise Organization. There he met with Mark Barden, one of the founders of Sandy Hook Promise and the father of Daniel, one of the young children killed in Sandy Hook Elementary School. Sheriff Toulon was so moved by this organization, that out of something tragic, built a school safety program that empowers students, teachers, and the community to become empowered bystanders. Upon taking office in January 2018, his first community initiative was to partner with Sandy Hook Promise to bring their programming to all Suffolk County schools. ​ Sheriff Toulon was an invited speaker at the 2019 Sandy Hook Promise Gala in Washington, DC, Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. talks about what inspired him to join the movement to honor the victims and families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting by preventing more tragedy. Under Sheriff Toulon's leadership, school safety and protecting youth from violence and self-harm is a priority of his work in public office. By partnering with Sandy Hook Promise-- and becoming Promise Leaders, Suffolk's Correction Officers & Deputy Sheriffs are teaching students everywhere to know the signs of someone in distress and to say something to a trusted adult. ​ ​ Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs and Correction Officers are specially trained to teach the Sandy Hook Promise program in schools and for community groups. Learn more about the two programs: Start with Hello Start With Hello teaches students to be more socially inclusive and connected to each other. With activities and curricula available for all ages, students are empowered to end social isolation in three easy steps. Step 1: See someone alone. Learn how to recognize the signs of loneliness and social isolation. Step 2: Reach Out And Help. Find out what you can do to help others feel included. Step 3: Start With Hello. Discover how to break the ice and strike up a conversation. Say Something The goal of the Say Something Program is to teach students how to look for warning signs, signals, and threats, especially in social media, of an individual who may be a threat to themselves or others and to say something to a trusted adult to get help. We want to teach students to understand and recognize warning signs and threats, how to act immediately, take it seriously, understand strategies to take action, and overcome potential barriers to being an “upstander” rather than a “bystander." Ultimately, the student is taught to seek out a trusted adult. Request a Program

MISSION TO DEVELOP, EQUIP & EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATION OF EXECUTIVE LEADERS. REGISTER NOW! The 2024 Executive Leadership Conference will be held on Tuesday, October 8th at the Hyatt Regency Long Island. ​ Would you like to attend our upcoming Executive Leadership Conference? Fill out the form below to register: Submit Thank you for your interest in joining us at the 2024 Executive Leadership Conference. You will receive an email with details on the Conference within 48 hours. Please note: some county or government agencies may block email correspondence from outside agencies. To ensure you receive correspondence, please add samantha.graviano@suffolkcountyny.gov to your email address list. ​ For more information follow us on Instagram by clicking on the icon below.

Orders of Protection Orders of protection are issued by a judge to protect you from another person who is abusing, harassing, threatening, and/or intimidating you, or has committed a crime against you. Orders of protection are commonly issued in cases involving domestic violence, but may also be issued under other circumstances. ​ Types of Orders of Protection Family Court Order of Protection: A Family Court Order of Protection is issued as part of a civil proceeding to stop violence that is occurring within the family or within an intimate relationship. You may begin the process of obtaining a Family Court order of protection by filling out the Family Offense Petition . In order to obtain an order of protection in Family Court, your relationship to the other person involved must fall in at least one of the following categories: Current or former spouse. Someone with whom you have a child in common. A family member to whom you are related by blood or marriage. Someone with whom you have, or have had, an 'intimate relationship.' (An intimate relationship does not necessarily mean a sexual relationship. Family Court will consider several factors such as, but not limited to: "how often you see each other or how long you have known each other.") Criminal Court Order of Protection: An Assistant District Attorney may request a criminal court order of protection on your behalf. You do not need to have an intimate or personal relationship with the person charged with the offense. The judge decides whether to issue an order of protection, as well as the terms and conditions. Supreme Court Order of Protection: A Supreme Court order of protection can be issued as part of ongoing divorce or criminal proceeding. If you are involved in an ongoing divorce case and wish to request an order of protection, you must make a written request by Motion or Order to Show Cause, or an oral request at a court appearance. If an attorney is representing you in the case, the attorney can make the written or oral request on your behalf. The judge decides whether to issue an order of protection, as well as the terms and conditions. Orders of protection may be temporary or final: Temporary Order of Protection: Issued the same day that a complainant files for an order of protection and lasts only until the next court date, at which point it may be extended. Final Order of Protection: A final order of protection is issued when the case results in a conviction (whether by plea or after a trial) in criminal court or in family court after a judge finds that a family offense was committed. Orders of protection may be full or limited: Full Order of Protection: A full order of protection means that the subject of the order of protection must stay completely away from you, your home, job and school, and must not abuse, harass, or threaten you. Limited Order of Protection: A limited order of protection allows the subject of the order of protection to maintain contact with you. However, the subject cannot abuse, harass, or threaten you. Serving Family or Supreme Court Orders of Protection For legal reasons, you may not serve your own order of protection. Orders of protection will be served in court by the judge if the defendant/respondent is present. ​ The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office may serve your Order of Protection. This service is free of charge. Once the Sherriff's Office has served the respondent, they will provide you with a signed statement that says the service has been completed. If the Sheriff's office is unable to deliver the order of protection after several attempts, they must provide you with a signed statement that includes the dates and times of each attempt. ​ An order of protection does not guarantee your safety. It is important that you have a safety plan should the person violate the order of protection. Violating an Order of Protection It is a crime to violate a temporary or final order of protection. If an individual violates the order of protection, you should report it to the police. In an emergency call 911 and the individual will be arrested. In a non-emergency, you may file a violation of the order of protection by going to a police precinct. If you have a Family Court order of protection, you may go to Family Court and file the violation, you may report the violation to the police or choose to do both. If you file a violation of the order of protection only in Family Court, the subject who violated the order might not be arrested. Learn more about an order of protection . ​ ​ ​ Extreme Risk Protective Order Please be advised that effective August 24, 2019 the NYS Supreme Courts may begin issuing an Extreme Risk Protective Order when a person may be dangerous to themselves or others. Please see the New York Courts website regarding how an order may be obtained. ​ ​ An Extreme Risk Protective Order (ERPO) is a court order issued when a person may be dangerous to themselves or others. An ERPO prohibits a person from purchasing or possessing guns and requires the person to surrender any guns they already own or possess. An ERPO can also direct the police to search a person, premises or a vehicle for guns and remove them. An ERPO case may be started by a district attorney, a police officer, a school official, or a member of the person’s family or household. It is a civil case. ERPO cases have no criminal charges or penalties. ​ The petitioner is the person filing the ERPO application with the court. The respondent is the person you are asking the Court to issue an ERPO against. The petitioner can be a district attorney, a police officer, a school official, or a member of the respondent’s family or household. ​ ​ Crime Victims Information Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon is pleased to announce that the Sheriff's Office participates in the Order of Protection Notification System (OPNS) . The program is available to anyone who registers to receive alerts regarding Family Court-issued orders of protection in Suffolk County -- and provides a text, email, phone or fax notification to alert victims when Deputy Sheriffs serve a Family Court Order of Protection to a perpetrator on their behalf. Victims can also use the VINE resource to look up inmates and receive alerts regarding their release. Register for alerts by visiting the NYS Sheriffs Institute Victims Services page linked below. Please have your docket number and order of protection number available at the time of registration.​ ​ If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, the following organizations in Suffolk County can offer support and guidance. However, please call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger. To learn more about making an application for a court order of protection, please visit the Unified Court System website. ​ If you need assistance, counseling or advice, call one of the organizations listed below: Crime Victims Center (631) 689-2672 The Retreat (631) 329-2200 Long Island Against Domestic Violence (631) 666-8833 Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (Known as VIBS) (631) 360-3606 NYS Courts Steps to Apply for an ERPO

Join the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Get notified about upcoming exams! DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURES Correction Officer I (English) Correction Officer I (Spanish) Qualifications Salary & Benefits Physical Agility Exam Academy Training Hiring Process Civilian Opportunities The Divisions of the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division The Corrections Division of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is comprised of more than 806 Correction Officers who staff two county correctional facilities. The Corrections Division and its facilities are overseen by the Warden and his Deputy Wardens. Both facilities house minimum, medium, and maximum-security male and female inmates. ​ The current Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Riverhead was built in 1969 and has undergone multiple additions and improvements over the years, resulting in its current capacity of 840 inmates. The facility has linear and podular housing units, a state-of-the-art medical/ dental/ mental health unit, a rehabilitation unit, and a visiting section. The Choose Your Path program for young men is housed at the Riverhead Facility. ​ The Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Yaphank was built in 1961 and has also undergone multiple improvements and additions over the years, including a state-of-the-art addition in 2013 which added six podular housing units, modern medical/dental/mental health, visiting, and booking units, and renovations of existing housing areas. The current capacity at Yaphank is 976 inmates. The Sheriff's Addiction Treatment Program (SATP), the Veterans Reentry Program, the 55 and Older Pod, and the Choose to Thrive Program for female inmates are all housed at the Yaphank Facility. This facility also houses female inmates with their newborn babies in a fully equipped secure nursery. ​ An increased focus on inmate rehabilitation accompanied by the reduction in inmate levels due to NYS bail reform legislation has created a unique opportunity to increase the number of programs available to inmates in the custody of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. The emphasis the Sheriff’s Office places on correctional rehabilitative programming has evolved over the last several years, with Correction Officers increasingly adopting a mindset that places value on rehabilitation and reentry work. While many non-profit organizations work in collaboration with the correctional facility to provide services to current and former inmates, Correction Officers have developed and now run many unique correctional programs. ​ Police Division ​ The Chief Deputy Sheriff oversees the Police Division. It includes the Enforcement Bureau, Headquarters Bureau, District Court Bureau, Family Court Bureau, Criminal Investigations Bureau, a Special Operations Bureau, and the Pistol License Bureau. ​ The major responsibilities of the Headquarters Bureau are the transportation and security of inmates outside the correctional facility, general law enforcement services to the public, and support assistance to other law enforcement agencies. They have a Canine Unit and a Marine Unit which patrols the East End of Long Island. ​ The District Court Bureau is tasked with the secure transportation of all inmates and detainees remanded to the custody of the Sheriff by any of the twenty-two courts working out of the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip. The Bureau oversees the main detention center housed at the 1st District Court complex and is responsible for the care and custody of new arrestees in the five western townships of Suffolk County as well as Suffolk County Correctional Facility inmates returning for court appearances. The District Court Bureau works closely with law enforcement partners of the Sheriff’s Office, defense attorneys, court personnel, and the District Attorney’s Office to ensure the court process proceeds efficiently. The Bureau transported a total of 24,544 prisoners in 2019. ​ The Criminal Investigations Bureau is tasked with all criminal investigations within the confines of the Suffolk County Correctional Facilities. These include cases involving prison contraband, assaults, violation of orders of protection, death investigations, etc. In addition, the Bureau handles all felony cases developed by Deputy Sheriffs, serious motor vehicle crashes, aviation crashes at Gabreski Airport, and drug investigations, including undercover surveillance. The investigators within the Bureau undergo a multitude of training that includes death investigation, crime scene investigation, evidence handling, drug field testing, and motor vehicle collision investigation. Responsibilities for investigators include case management, evidence collection, arrest and warrant processing, interviews and statements, and crime scene management which includes fingerprint processing, photography, sketching, and scene narratives. Investigators from both the Police and Corrections divisions continually work with other agencies and on task forces such as the DEA and Heroin Task Force, to uncover crime in Suffolk County and the region. ​ The Enforcement Bureau is comprised of the Civil Enforcement Section and Special Operations Section. Deputy Sheriffs assigned to the Civil Enforcement Section process property executions for enforcement against real and personal property, income executions, warrants to remove, warrants of arrest, orders of seizure, orders of attachment, service of D.W.I. forfeiture summonses for the County Attorney, enforcement of Health Commissioner orders, and all other actions issued out of any court in the county. The Special Operations Section performs a variety of duties including patrolling and responding to calls for service at the Suffolk County Gabreski Airport and other county facilities and traffic enforcement. ​ The Sheriff’s Office Warrant Squad executes court-ordered Writs of Assistance in family offense and abuse and neglect cases, transports certain juveniles charged with crimes to court, and returns them to where they are housed. Deputy Sheriff Investigators assigned to the Warrant Squad execute warrants of arrest in both family court and criminal court cases. Investigators also coordinate with the county’s Child Support Enforcement Bureau to locate parents who have failed to pay court-ordered child support and assist police agencies in tracking down Fugitives from Justice. ​ The Domestic Violence Bureau serves orders of protection that are created by the Family and Criminal Court systems. During the service of orders, Deputy Sheriffs are often ordered to seize firearms and other weapons in the protection of the defendants and respondents. The Domestic Violence Bureau served a total of 3,786 orders of protection in 2019 and 4,023 in 2020. It also seized a total of 282 firearms in 2019 and 378 in 2020. In 2019, Deputy Sheriffs were tasked with the service of Emergency Risk Protection Orders (ERPO). An ERPO is a court order issued when a person may be dangerous to him/herself or others. An ERPO prohibits a person from purchasing or possessing guns and requires the person to surrender any guns he/she already owns or possesses. The Domestic Violence Bureau also investigates cases of individuals who attempt to purchase a firearm in violation of an order of protection and arrests individuals charged with violating orders of protection and those with family offense-related warrants. ​ The Special Operations Bureau is comprised of the Air Support Unit, Honor Guard, Stop-DWI Team, Bike Patrol, Emergency Management, Haz-Mat Decon Strike Team, Homeland Security, and Tactical Units that include the Sheriff’s Response Team and the Tactical Rifle and Containment Team. ​ The Pistol License Bureau is tasked with the issuance of all pistol licenses for the five East End towns in Suffolk County. The towns include Riverhead, Southampton, Southold, East Hampton, and Shelter Island. Deputy Sheriff Investigators are responsible for conducting a thorough background check that includes fingerprint and arrest history checks, personal and character witness interviews, residency verification, and mental health checks on pistol license applicants. ​ Operations Division The Operations Division includes Employee Benefits, the Communications Bureau, the Quartermaster Bureau, the Grants Bureau, the Accounting Bureau, the Personnel Investigations Bureau, Personnel/Payroll, Fleet Management, and Research and Development. The Chief of Staff oversees all bureaus in the Operations Division. ​ Employee Benefits administers all benefits for employees as negotiated by the three bargaining units within the Sheriff’s Office. The Communications Bureau administers all Sheriff’s Office dispatching functions. The Quartermaster Bureau is responsible for the issuance and inventory maintenance of uniform items and assorted equipment for approximately 1,200 employees of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. The Grants Bureau locates state, federal, and private sector funding opportunities. The Accounting Bureau prepares the annual operating budget request for submission to the County Executive’s Budget Office. ​ The Personnel Investigations Bureau is responsible for conducting confidential background investigations on all employee candidates for the Sheriff’s Office. The primary mission of the Payroll/Personnel Bureau is to monitor employee time and accruals and to ensure that all employees are paid accurately and in a timely fashion. Fleet Services is responsible for the maintenance of the “Fleet” which includes patrol vehicles, unmarked and undercover vehicles, trucks, buses, ATVs, boats, military surplus equipment, and military vehicles. The Research and Development Bureau facilitates decision-making, research, and timely responses to inquiries. These bureaus are staffed by Correction Officers, Deputies, and civilians.

Community Relations Unit The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Community Relations Unit is one of the most vital units throughout the office. Since taking office, Sheriff Toulon has not only expanded the Community Relations Unit but also doubled the amount of community engagement we are involved in. Throughout the year, CRU visits each Suffolk County School District as well as multiple clubs and various organizations. Since day one, Sheriff Toulon’s motto has been, “I want to get to the kids before they get to me” and the Community Relations Unit does just that. Its main goal is to bridge the gap between Law Enforcement and the members of the Community. CRU is responsible for implementing community outreach and school-based programs, organizing events, and promoting the Sheriff’s mission. We offer an array of Community and School-based programs free of charge for all Suffolk County schools, businesses, organizations, non-profits and agencies. You can contact the Community Relations Office at (631) 852-5611 or via email at Samantha.Graviano@suffolkcountyny.gov. Learn more about our programs below. Programs At a Glance YES Tours GREAT Program CRASE Training PET ID Cards At-risk Youth Jail Tour STOPPED Program Stop the Bleed Project Lifesaver Sandy Hook Promise McGruff the Crime Dog Car Seat Safety Checks Drug | Alcohol Test Kits College Internship Program Drug | Vaping Awareness Operation Safe Child Yellow Dot Program Explorers Program Vulnerability Assessments Senior ID Medical Cards Shed the Meds Programs Youth Enlightenment Seminar (YES) Tours : Every year, the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office opens our doors for thousands of students to take an in-depth tour of both our Riverhead and Yaphank Correctional Facilities. The tours give a realistic, first-hand glimpse into the inner workings of our correctional facilities and what a daily life as a correction officer and justice-involved individuals looks like. YES Tours are a great fit for criminal justice classes or students interested in pursuing a career in the criminal justice field . LEARN MORE >> ​ At-risk Youth Jail Tour: A growing number of Suffolk County`s youth are in danger of falling prey to criminal and gang activity. Young teens especially face peer pressures that often ma ke them act in ways that help them become “accepted” by a group, but they have no idea about the consequences of their behavior. As a result, many young people at an early age begin what may become a painful life of criminal behavior. The goal of the At-Risk Youth Jail Tour is to educate youth about the potential consequences of poor choices. These tours must be scheduled in advance and the youth must be accompanied be a par ent. BOOK NOW >> ​ ​ Sandy Hook Promise : In December of 2017, then Sheriff-Elect Errol Toulon, Jr. attended a gala in New York City for the Sandy Hook Promise Organization. There he met with Mark Barden, one of the founders of Sandy Hook Promise and the father of Daniel, one of the young children killed in Sandy Hook Elementary School. Sheriff Toulon was so moved by this organization, that out of something tragic, built a school safety program that empowers students, teachers, and the community to become empowered bystanders. Upon taking office in January 2018, his first community initiative was to partner with Sandy Hook Promise to bring their programming to all Suffolk County schools. LEARN MORE >> BOOK NOW >> Say Something: The goal of the Say Something Program is to teach students how to look for warning signs, signals, and threats, especially in social media, of an individual who may be a threat to themselves or others and to say something to a trusted adult to get help. We want to teach students to understand and recognize warning signs and threats, how to act immediately, take it seriously, understand strategies to take action, and overcome potential barriers to being an “upstander” rather than a “bystander." Ultimately, the student is taught to seek out a trusted adult. Sandy Hook Promise Start With Hello: This program teaches students to be more socially inclusive and connected to each other. With activities and curricula available for all ages, students are empowered to end social isolation in three easy steps: See Someone Alone -- Step 1: Learn how to recognize the signs of loneliness and social isolation. Reach Out And Help -- Step 2: Find out what you can do to help others feel included. Start With Hello -- Step 3: Discover how to break the ice and strike up a conversation. ​ College Internship Program: ​The college internship program is recommended for students who have a strong interest in law enforcement and/or are currently enrolled in criminal justice courses. The program is designed to give an in-depth working view of the Sheriff's Office, offering a broad spectrum of work areas which contain different aspects of law, both criminal and civil. The program runs during the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Spring and fall semesters run a 16-week pr ogram and the summer semester runs for 13-weeks. LEARN MORE >> ​ Explorers Program: Law Enforcement Exploring is a hands-on program offering young adults a personal awareness of the criminal justice system through training, practical experiences, competition, and other activities. Exploring is intended to educate and involve youth in law enforcement operations, to interest them in possible law enforcement careers, and to build an understanding of working in the field. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Program promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship, and patriotism. LEARN MORE >> ​ Gang Resistance & Education (GREAT) Program : The G.R.E.A.T. program is an evidence-based curriculum offered in many states throughout the nation. The classroom curriculum is taught by Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs and Correction Officers who received specialized training to present to elementary and middle school students. Prevention as its primary objective, the program aims to prevent bullying, youth crime, violence, drug use, and gang involvement while promoting a positive relationship among law enforcement, families, and our youth. G.R.E.A.T. Lessons focus on life skills designed to help students avoid using delinquent behavior and violence to solve problems, and further helps them make positive choices in life. BOOK NOW >> ​ STOPPED ("Drunk Buggies") Program: The STOPPED program is a driver safety course for high school students. During the program, an officer will come to yo ur school and set up a drivers course with our "Drunk Buggies" to teach students about the risks of driving impaired. BOOK NOW >> ​ McGruff the Crime Dog: The McGruff program offers children in first and second grade important personal safety lessons while getting them actively involved in the learning process. Children of all ages are faced with many types of social challenges, and unfortunately, bullying has become a serious issue for many kids. The McGruff Program seeks to give children the social tools they need to recognize bullying behavior, prevent it from occurring and handle it effectively when confronted with a tough situation whether on the playground, the bus, the lunchroom or playing in the neighborhood. BOOK NOW >> ​ Drug and Vaping Awareness Programs: Since taking office in January 2018, Sheriff Toulon has made it a priority to visit with students and school officials to determine how the Sheriff’s Office could assist with programming and training to improve outcomes for youth in Suffolk County. The opioid epidemic, combined with an increase in marijuana use and vaping, were common concerns raised during his meetings. Drug use can often be an underlying cause of aggressive behavior in students and can result in other kinds of conduct -- and over time, poor grades and symptoms of depression or euphoria. School personnel may not equate certain behaviors with drug use or may not know the signs to look for when evaluating behavioral issues. The Sheriff’s Office has officers that provide training to students and school staff. These new programs teach basic education on vaping, drugs, opioid, and alcohol use, as well as diagnostic steps for assessing impairment and strategies to respond to drug and alcohol-induced situations. BOOK NOW >> ​ School & Building Vulnerability Assessments: In 2018, Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. established a Security Assessment Initiative for Suffolk County schools and public buildings. This program allows schools and other organizations to have an assessment performed by a certified Crime Prevention Specialist at no cost. The Security Assessment helps to improve the security level of their premises to help prevent property damage or intrusion. These assessments offer site-specific safety tips on how to reduce t he incidences of crime. Using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles, specially trained Deputy Sheriffs check the property, identify vulnerable areas, and provide recommendations on how to enhance the security of the property. BOOK NOW >> ​ CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Event) Presentation : C.R.A.S.E. is designed to provide a model response program to civilians within their community. The presentation provides strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event. This presentation is designed for any public or private building personnel, to educate them on how to respond in the event of an active shooter situation. This 2-hour program provides practical lessons on how to save lives. This program is available for all congregations, schools, offices, and businesses in the 5 East End towns of Suffolk County. BOOK NOW >> ​ Stop the Bleed: Studies have shown that the help given by an immediate responder can often make the difference between life and death, even before professional rescuers arrive. Stop the Bleed training is a presentation and hands-on practice of direct pressure application, wound packing, and use of a tourniquet. The course was developed for a nonmedical audience to address the needs of the immediate responder to control life-threatening bleeding until help arrives. The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Stop the Bleed training is available for all schools, community organizations, businesses, and religious organizations in Suffolk County. BOOK NOW >> ​ Child Car Seat Safety Checks: Nationwide, the statistics on child safety seats are startling. Up to 72 percent of the child safety seats in cars on the road have serious defects or are improperly installed. Protecting your precious cargo is your priority and we're here to help. Specially trained officers from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office are available to attend community forums and event to perform child car seat safety checks. Car seat checks take approximately 20 minutes per vehicle and should be booked in advance prior to your event. BOOK NOW >> ​ Operation Safe Child ID Cards: Operation Safe Child was created in July of 2005 to raise awareness about child safety. Statistics show that 34% of parents in the United States do not know their child’s exact height, weight, and eye color. When a child is reported missing, time can be the biggest factor in finding the child. Possessing up-to-date photographs with detailed information about the child can greatly assist law enforcement when responding to a disappearance. These cards contain the child’s full name, date of birth, gender, height, weight, hair color, eye color, and more. The card is made in less than ten minutes and can be carried in the parent’s wallet or pocketbook. Operation Safe Child ID Cards are offered by the Sheriff’s Office free of charge at community events, libraries, and firehouses across Suffolk County. BOOK NOW >> ​ Senior Medical ID Card: The Sheriff’s Office Medical ID Cards assist seniors or those with medical needs to keep all required medical information available on a small card with them at all times in case of emergency. The Sheriff's Office regularly visits senior centers, VFW halls and other community groups to provide emergency medical alert ID cards. There is no cost for the card. BOOK NOW >> ​ Pet ID Cards: Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. is proud to announce Suffolk County’s first ever Lost Pet Network which will provide participating owners with a printed pet identification card while adding the pets to a database to help quickly locate missing animals. When a pet is lost, Suffolk County residents utilize many websites, social media pages and traditional methods but lack one central method for spreading the news and involving the proper stakeholders. Owners can enroll in this program to get a free identification card and become a part of the Lost Pet Network which will utilize Deputy Sheriffs, local municipalities and a designated website in the case of a dog, cat, or other eligible animal going missing. LEARN MORE >> ​ Project Lifesaver: Project Lifesaver is a rapid-response program that aids victims (and their families) who wander as a result of cognitive impairments, or other afflictions. The program combines technology and specially trained Sheriff’s Deputies to locate individuals who have wandered. Project Lifesaver clients wear a “watch-type” wristband transmitter (worn on the wrist, ankle or as a necklace), which emits a tracking signal. When a caregiver calls the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver line to report that a client has wandered, a search team responds to the wanderer’s area and, while in route, activates the vehicles mobile locator tracking system. A hand-held unit is used to search for clients in areas inaccessible by vehicles.​ LEARN MORE >> ​ Test, Don't Guess Drug & Alcohol Test Kits: Home Drug Alcohol & Test kits have been purchased by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and are made available to residents in Suffolk County. The program aims to offer free drug test kits that can be used in privacy to assist parents and guardians with monitoring the behavior of their children who are under the age of 18. The test kits give parents a tool to engage in the critical conversations about drug use; and offers a method for parents who suspect their child may be using illegal substances to be reassured of their judgment and seek professional help if needed. ​ Individual drug and alcohol test kits are available at your local legislator's office or at our Riverhead Correctional Facility located at: Riverhead Correctional Facility, 100 Center Drive South, Riverhead, NY 1190. ​ Yellow Dot Program: Our Yellow Dot program assists citizens during the most critical times of emergency care - following a traffic crash - when they may not be able to communicate their needs themselves. Placing a Yellow Dot decal in your vehicle's rear window alerts first responders to check your glove compartment for vital information to ensure you receive the medical attention you need. ​BOOK NOW >> ​ Shed the Meds : L ooking to get rid of unwanted or expired medications in a way that is safe and protects our environment? Drop them off for safe disposal by the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office. Safely disposing of medication prevents pollution of our ground water and keeps them out of the hands of young children and others who might abuse them. Shed the Meds events are for community members only. No commercial or doctor's office expired medication disposal. Liquid medications and sharps will not be accepted at the events. BOOK NOW >> YES Tours At-risk Youth Jail Tour Sandy Hook Promise College Internship Program Explorers Program GREAT Program STOPPED Program McGruff DRE | Vaping Vulnerability Assessments CRASE Stop the Bleed Car Seat Safety Check Operation Safe Child Senior ID PET ID Project Lifesaver Drug Test Kits Yellow Dot Shed the Meds

Sheriff's Anti-Trafficking Initiative The Sheriff’s Anti-Trafficking Initiative was the first of its kind in the country operating from inside a correctional facility. S.A.T.I. has been pioneering the campaign against human trafficking from the correctional standpoint by establishing a comprehensive and effective response to the crime. The unit works in collaboration with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies by developing and forwarding intelligence gleaned from the correctional facility setting. In addition, they refer victims and work closely with advocacy groups in efforts to assist the victims on their road to recovery. The principal objectives are to ensure that all victims of human trafficking who pass through our facility are identified, have access to the services they need to recover, and are supported throughout their long-term journey as survivors. ​ ​ What is Human Trafficking ​ Human trafficking, in general terms, is holding someone in compelled service for labor or commercial sex acts, using whatever means necessary whether physical or psychological (force, fraud, or coercion)​. ​ Causing someone under the age of 18 to engage in a commercial sex act, regardless of using force, fraud, or coercion is human trafficking under U.S. law. ​ Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States. It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Traffickers might use violence, manipulation, or false promises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations. ​ Human trafficking can happen to anyone but some people are more vulnerable than others. Significant risk factors include recent migration or relocation, substance use, mental health concerns, involvement with the children welfare system and being a runaway or homeless youth. Often, traffickers identify and leverage their victims’ vulnerabilities in order to create dependency. Youth and teens can be more susceptible to becoming a victim of human trafficking, especially those who have recently immigrated, those who are displaced from their families or have significant issues in the home, and those who have a history of substance use. Knowing not only the signs of human trafficking but some of the grooming techniques and ways to protect your children are vital to keeping our youth safe. ​ To report suspicious non-emergency human trafficking activity, contact Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 220-TIPS. For urgent or life threatening situations, or if you suspect someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Here are some signs that someone could potentially b e a trafficking victim: ​ Is the person disoriented or confused, showing signs of mental or physical abuse? Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing? Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive? Is the person often in the company of someone who seems to be in control of where they go or whom they talk to? Does the person appear to have a much older boyfriend or "daddy" that seems to be a strange or uncomfortable relationship? Does the person seem to be being watched or controlled? Does the person appear to be coached on what to say? Does the person lack personal possessions or appear to not have a stable living situation? Does the person seem to be abused or deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care, or other life necessities? Can the person freely contact friends or family and have the means to do so? Is the person allowed to socialize alone? Is the person permitted to freely attend religious services? ​ Please note: It is unsafe to attempt to rescue a trafficking victim. You have no way of knowing how the trafficker may react or retaliate against you or the victim. If you believe you have identified someone who has escaped from or is currently being trafficked, please contact law enforcement immediately. ​ There are several other indicators not listed that could imply someone is a victim of human trafficking, as well as being "groomed" to become a victim. Below are additional resources you can print or look through for more information. ​ Note:The information above was collected from the Suffolk Sheriff's Anti-Trafficking Unit, the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the Polaris Project, and the Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign. If you have a tip or think you cause to believe someone may be a trafficking victim, call the Human Trafficking Resource Center at (888) 373-7888 immediately. Download a Free Resource Click on any of the images below to download a FREE informational resource. Use these guides to start the conversation with your children or loved ones about human trafficking, share them on social media or hang them in your school or business to keep the conversation going. Contact Us The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office has designated teams of officers in our Human Trafficking Unit tracking activity within our Correctional Facilities as well as in the community. If you would like additional information or to speak with one of our officers, please fill out the request form below and someone will contact you. Thank you for contacting us. Someone will reach out to you shortly. Submit

Data Driven Justice Data Driven Justice Community Portrait: A Conversation with Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr. of Suffolk County, N.Y. This Data-Driven Justice Community Portrait is the fifth in a series highlighting individuals who are championing cross-systems collaboration and data sharing within their jurisdictions to respond to the needs of frequent utilizers of justice, health and human services systems. This interview was edited for brevity. ​ Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. is the Sheriff of Suffolk County , New York on Long Island. He was born and raised in the Bronx in New York City, and his father and brother were both wardens on Rikers Island . As such, Toulon learned about the criminal justice system from a very early age; in 1982 he joined the New York City Department of Correction where he had a 22-year career in uniform serving in various positions in the Emergency Service Unit, Firearms & Tactics Unit and Compliance Unit. He retired as a captain due to health reasons. In 2014, he returned to the Department of Correction as the Deputy Commissioner of Operations overseeing the Intelligence Unit, Training Academy, Applicant Investigations Unit, Emergency Management and Compliance Units. Taking office in January 2018, Sheriff Toulon is the county’s first African American person to be elected to a non-judicial countywide office. He received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Monroe College, a master’s degree in Business Administration and a doctorate in Educational Administration from Dowling College. ​ Q: Where do you get your passion for helping people involved in the criminal justice system? ​ When I was a child, my father told me that his job as a warden was about rehabilitating people who were incarcerated; however, he also used the same moniker of “bad guys” that needed to be in jail. When I was a captain on Rikers Island, I would often tour our various facilities, talk to the people in our custody and find out why they became incarcerated and if they experienced substance abuse and/or mental health issues. I believe 85 percent of men and women that come into our facilities are individuals that have mental health and substance abuse issues, or they just made some poor choices. Many come from areas and families that experience multi-generational trauma due to community and family violence. ​ When I became sheriff, I used this experience to affect change in my community. We can assist those men and women with the treatment they need and can connect them with resources in the community to continue care post incarceration. I am extremely passionate about ensuring people continue to receive this level of care while involved with the justice system. ​ Q: What are some of the initiatives you’ve started to help people with mental illness and/or substance use disorders involved in the justice system? ​ Here in Suffolk County, we created The Sheriff's Transition and Reentry Team (START), where we work with the judicial system, The Legal Aid Society and The Criminal Bar Association to offer case management and support to help address the needs of people in our custody and upon release. ​ The START Resource Center is located at our Yaphank Correctional Facility and staffed by correctional officers. In our jails, we start reentry on day one of incarceration. We interview inmates at jail admission and have them complete a packet of information where we assess their needs and life goals. Officers and our partners support people with substance abuse treatment, education, job and resume assistance, social services enrollment, driver's license and identification issues, transportation, food, housing and clothing. We also provide referrals to community-based services upon release. We help people create resumes and conduct job searches and provide business attire for job interviews. We also provide transportation for interviews, as transportation can be a huge barrier in Suffolk County. We have identified employers who are willing to hire a formerly incarcerated individual and work with social services agencies in various communities to connect people to health care and continue treatment. We are trying to address structural barriers to reentry, and the staff has truly built trust among our community members involved in the justice system. In fact, with START, more than 350 people have returned to our resource center or reached out for further assistance who are no longer involved in the justice system. ​ We also have a serious addiction treatment program and are very much involved in the drug court. We continue to talk to judges and defense attorneys on how we can improve. We can always do better, and I push my staff so that our office can mitigate crime before it occurs and reduce our jail population. ​ Lastly, we partnered with Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare on our family reunification project to bring graduate-level interns to the jail to work with inmates and their families to improve relationships while people are incarcerated and when they are released. We know that family involvement can be key to a person’s success once they are no longer in our custody. Q: Who have been some of your most valuable partners in this work? ​ We have worked with many community partners who have helped identify individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues. We created a satellite facility partnering with one of our service providers, Spin the Yard , to assist with transportation and networking with other programs to make sure people are receiving the assistance they need. ​ In addition, since many of our female inmates are victims of human trafficking and have substance use disorders, The Empowerment Collaborative of Long Island is another important community partner, particularly for women and children. We also partner with many local advocacy groups and monitor data to understand where in Suffolk County there are hotspots of people suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues and how to best address it. We also use data analysis in our schools through a program called Deconstructing the Prison Pipeline , which seeks to improve policy and craft initiatives to prevent youth from getting involved in the justice system by helping to identify root causes of youth delinquency. ​ Q: How is your office working with the community to address race equity for people involved in the justice system? ​ First, I am always looking at data to help us understand the problem. As Sheriff, I have made it a priority for our office to use data to identify community members at risk of incarceration. We focus on factors such as demographics and ethnicity, education level and employment type. Do they have children? With these variables, we see where certain trends are occurring and can drill down to the root causes of some of the issues that our residents face before and after incarceration. ​ Since last year (2020), we started a training course for fair and impartial policing not only for our deputy sheriffs and correctional officers, but also civilian personnel. We have implemented customer service training for sworn and civilian personnel that are interacting with the public. I do not, however, believe that a training course will really allow us to understand our own biases, so we have made it incumbent upon our supervisors to reinforce this training throughout our daily work. Since it is very difficult to change someone’s inherent views in just a couple training sessions, we conduct them regularly to at least recognize these biases and reinforce the need for change. ​ There needs to be a basic understanding of respect from law enforcement to the people in our community and those that are incarcerated. The death of George Floyd was a tragedy, and law enforcement needs to find a balance when interacting with the community between who is an actual threat and who may be experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis. Q: What more can Suffolk County do to help people living with mental illness and/or substance use disorders? ​ What is needed not only for Suffolk County, but our nation, is investment in social services. People need help before they interact with law enforcement. By the time someone is incarcerated, the individual has most likely shown many red flags. The pandemic has caused a mental health and substance abuse crisis in this country and with so much trauma and disruption in our society today, the government needs to focus on increasing funding in our communities for social services. This would certainly lead to fewer negative interactions with law enforcement and less incarceration. We may be able to save not only a lot more lives but change people's lives so that families and communities are safer. Q: What inspires you about this work? ​ I'm a two-time cancer survivor, so I probably shouldn't be here. My second battle was with pancreatic cancer and it has made me feel that I'm here for a purpose. I was a deputy commissioner at Rikers Island for 25 years and I didn't have the direct impact that I have now. I have been a resident of Suffolk County now for 31 years and I can see the impact I have on my staff and the individuals that are incarcerated in the community. This is what gives me joy because I can affect real change and help people. It motivates me every day. ​ Q: Do you have any recommendations for other communities or advice for your peers? ​ You can never have enough partners in this, whether it's NACo or law enforcement agencies, community partners or community members. I engage with our community to understand what various populations in Suffolk County are dealing with so I can understand what we need to do and identify potential and changing trends. As a sheriff, it is important to talk to law enforcement agencies and community partners throughout the country to see what they are dealing with and how to best prepare. Finally, humility is crucial. You need to talk to everyone and can never have enough engagement with people. There is much to learn from other people’s experiences. NACo would like to thank Sheriff Errol Toulon for speaking with us about his and Suffolk County’s efforts. He can be reached at Suffolk_Sheriff@suffolkcountyny.gov . ​ This community portrait was created with support from Arnold Ventures as part of Data-Driven Justice , a project that aims to support local jurisdictions in using data to better align resources to respond to people who are frequent utilizers of justice, health and human services systems. This is a reprint from the National Association of Counties, NACo. Read this story on the NACo website.

START Resource Center The Sheriff's Transition and Reentry Team (S.T.A.R.T.) opened its doors in February of 2020 and is currently comprised of five Correction Officers: three are Correctional Counselors and two are Community Correction Officers. Operating Monday through Friday, the services provided and the amount of justice involved individuals who utilize the Resource Center's services continue to increase. The team utilizes the three Correctional Counselors to interview inmates upon incarceration, assessing their needs both while incarcerated and post incarceration, and making the necessary referrals. Needs such as substance abuse treatment, education, job assistance, DSS assistance, identification issues, transportation, food, housing, and clothing are all then addressed and the two Community Correction Officers then work to establish a discharge plan for the individual's successful reentry into the community. ​ Upon discharge from the facility, the justice involved individual visits the Resource Center. All the needs identified by the counselors are addressed by the Resource Center staff and the many service providers. At this time the warm hand-off to the community begins and lines of communication are established for follow up care. The Resource Center continues to remain available post incarceration for follow up assistance in the hopes of continued success. The START team provides a positive benefit to the community by facilitating the successful reentry of justice involved individuals with the hope of reducing recidivism. ​ ​ The START Resource Center is located at: 200 Glover Drive Yaphank, NY 11980 (631) 852-5391 ​ DIRECTIONS: Take the Long Island Expressway to exit 67, Yaphank Avenue, and travel south for approximately 1.25 miles. Make a right onto Glover Drive. The Correctional Facility entrance is located at the end of Glover Drive.Follow the signs to the START Resource Center, located on your right, just before the Deputy Security Booth. ​ Or via Bus route S68, Probation Stop ​ Center Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm ​ Walk-ins welcome Service Providers ​ The following is a list of community providers that offer support for individuals while they are incarcerated as well as when they transition back to the community. The START Resource center offers to assistance to any individual incarcerated within the Suffolk County Correctional Facilities or any individual who was previously incarcerated anywhere in the United States and is returning back to Suffolk County to establish residence. Department of Labor Resume Writing Mock Interviews Continuous Updates on Job Trends Facilitate Connections Between Employers and Justice Involved Individuals ​ Veterans Resources Northport VA (Veterans Administration) Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency Salvation Army Long Island Harvest Hands Across Long Island Veterans Justice Outreach Fatherhood Initiative Joseph Dwyer Peer to Peer Program Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency Spiritual Support Meditation Paws Of War New Hour (Women & Children) Parenting Classes Health & Wellness Reentry Planning Discharge Planning Art Programs (in collaboration with Parrish Arts) Empowerment Collaborate Long Island (ECLI)(Male/Female) Survivors Group Empowerment Group Trauma focused individual counseling Discharge Planning Re-entry Counseling ​ EAC Network | Empower, Assist, Care Reentry Planning Discharge Planning Case Management Services BOCES Providing Literacy Workshops TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) Vocational Programs Family Service League Addiction Services & Treatment Training and Employment Family & Community Support Mental Health Support Trauma and Crisis Counseling Leadership Training Institute (LTI) Thinking for a Change Interactive Journaling Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence (LICADD) Substance Abuse Counseling ​ Suffolk Cooperative Library System Educational & Recreational Books for both county jails ​ Axis Church START Satellite Center in Port Jefferson, NY Personal items/Toiletries Baby Items Celebrate Recovery Group

Academy Training CORRECTION OFFICERS Correction Officer Recruit Curriculum Academy Orientation Introduction to Law Enforcement Ethics & Professionalism Professional Communication Effective Communication Tier Role Playing Incident Disciplinary Report Writing Sexual Harassment & Misconduct Personal Awareness Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Operations & Procedures NYS Penal Law & Offenses NYS Criminal Procedure Law Laws of NYS Civil Liabilities & Risk Management Preliminary Investigations Peace Officer Investigations Courtroom Testimony Legal Issues Essential Services Defensive Tactics Initial Firearms Range Inmate Transportation Fingerprint Identification Crime Scene Preservation Social Media Chaplaincy Community & Public Relations Medical Evaluations Rehabilitation Unit Active Threat Security & Supervision Direct Supervision Incident Management Hostage Survival Classifications Persons With Disabilities DWI Awareness Fundamental Crisis Intervention Fair & Impartial Policing Stress Management Officer Wellness Field Training Fire Academy CPR | First Aid | AED | Narcan OSHA | HEPA Language Assistance Program Interagency Cooperation Internal Security & Gang Awareness Office of Professional Standards Human Trafficking Drug Awareness District Court Sheriff's Reform & Reinvention Plan De-escalation Training HALT Training Trauma Informed Training Trauma in Youth in Detention DEPUTY SHERIFFS Deputy Sheriff Recruit Curriculum The Deputy Sheriff's recruit course is ran through the Suffolk County Police Department Academy and is a 6-month academy with Deputy Sheriff training upon graduation from the academy. For more information on their academy, please visit joinscpd.com .

Police Reform & Reinvention Report The Sheriff's Office Reform and Reinvention Report Submitted to the Suffolk County Legislature on March 1, 2021. “The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is, and will continue to be, an agency driven to achieve excellence not by legislative mandate, but instead by its own standards and its obligation to the People of Suffolk County, New York.” - Sheriff Toulon Download the Report Send us Feeback Report Highlights On February 23, 2021, the Sheriff’s Office released its Interim Reform and Reinvention Report pursuant to New York State Executive Order 203. On March 1, the report was finalized and sent to the Suffolk County Legislature for the March 2, 2021 General Meeting. Read RESOLUTION NO -2021, ADOPTING THE SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE REFORM AND REINVENTION REPORT (SHERIFF). Deputy Presiding Officer Robert Calarco has called for additional public hearings. See the Press Release for information and dates. The Reform and Reinvention Report report requires approval from the Suffolk County Legislature and must be sent to the Governor’s Office no later than April 1, 2021. Even though the process has advanced to the next stage, the public is encouraged and welcome to continue to submit comments, questions, and suggestions to Suffolk_Sheriff@suffolkcountyny.gov . The Sheriff’s Office followed State guidance by developing its evaluation and report in phases while collaborating with community stakeholders. In September, the Office began facilitating conversations with members of its newly formed Community Advisory Board (CAB) to gain a better understanding of the public’s understanding of the role of the Sheriff’s Office. The Office held six of these sessions between September and January, which included Sheriff’s Office presentations followed by discussion. In February, the Office hosted four additional community meetings and asked for feedback on a series of proposed reforms in the seven areas of “Reforming and Reinventing Correctional Services,” “Reforming and Reinventing Police Service,” “Community Engagement,” “Recruitment, Diversification, and Retention,” “Sheriff’s Office Training,” “Officer Wellness,” and “Internal Affairs.” The Sheriff’s Office is a reform-minded agency that has engaged with community partners in the non-profit, government, and educational sectors in substantive and collaborative ways over many years. The Office has five task forces comprised of community members, including the Sheriff’s Reentry Task Force with over 80 members, the Interfaith Council, the Community Advisory Board, the Deconstructing Task Force, and a small Student Advisory Board. Participants meet regularly with the County Sheriff and his staff and have played an integral role in shaping programs and policies for many years. Sheriff Toulon viewed the Reform and Reinvention process as a valuable opportunity to reflect on the progress the Office has made in recent years, understand public concerns, and plan for the future. It was also an opportunity to educate the public about the role of the Sheriff’s Office. “With so many police agencies operating in Suffolk, the general public doesn’t fully understand how we affect their lives and the services we provide,” said Sheriff Toulon. The first section of the 78-page report describes the responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office, its history, and how elected officeholders, Sheriff’s Office appointees, and long-time civil servants help shape policies. The report then discusses recent improvements in the 7 subject areas, noted deficiencies, goals, and recommendations, and public input. ​ Highlights of some of the proposed reforms include: START Resource Center staff frequently confront issues with locating safe housing for homeless individuals. It is recommended that community and government stakeholders work together to create workable solutions. The Sheriff’s Office has discussed the possibility of rehabilitating county-owned property for transitional housing and will work towards this goal in 2021. Inmates with severe mental illness have more intensive needs and more frequently recidivate upon release. The Sheriff’s Office plans to focus on this issue by creating a working group in 2021 to address the continuum of support required to protect public safety and connect human services with this high-risk population. During the Public Sessions, it was recommended that the Sheriff’s Office review its policies and procedures regarding the classification of transgender individuals in custody at the Suffolk County Correctional facility. It was further recommended that the Sheriff’s Office adopt policies and procedures that are more responsive to the needs of gender-expansive communities. In 2021, the Sheriff’s Office will examine relevant policies and practices, New York State Commission of Corrections’ regulations, and national best practices for the purpose of crafting a policy directive on Transgender, Intersex, Gender Non-Binary, and Gender, Nonconforming People in Custody. The Sheriff’s Office will create an internal Review Board tasked with evaluating each use of force report generated. The goal of the board will be to ensure that proper procedures and guidelines are followed and to learn from each incident. If needed, the Board could establish recommendations for new methods for handling similar incidents. This platform to potentially prevent future injury to our officers and defendants/inmates could be expanded to include other high liability incidents such as motor vehicle crashes. The Sheriff’s Office will implement a training program for Deputy Sheriffs to increase their understanding and awareness of the impact of trauma. The training will help them utilize trauma-informed practices in their interactions with children and adults. Deputy Sheriffs are charged with executing Family Court orders to remove children from their homes for reasons such as abuse and neglect. In addition to implementing trauma-informed training for Deputy Sheriffs, the Sheriff’s Office will work with community partners to develop a care package of items the officers could give to the children to ease the transition. The Sheriff’s Office will facilitate coordination between the START Resource Center and Deputy Sheriffs assigned to the courts. Deputy Sheriffs frequently encounter at-risk and vulnerable individuals. The START Resource Center could be an avenue to connect these individuals with human services. The Sheriff’s Office plans to create a section of the website in 2021 devoted to Police Division statistics on arrests and traffic stops. During the Public Sessions, a question was raised about the Sheriff’s Office’s ability to track racial and ethnic data during traffic stops. The Office is currently updating technology to ensure that race and ethnicity data will be captured. Furthermore, the Sheriff’s Office intends to conduct ongoing analysis of data captured regarding traffic stops and arrests to ensure all sworn members of the Sheriff’s Office are utilizing best practices to eliminate any potential bias and to protect public safety. During the Public Sessions, it was recommended that the Sheriff’s Office improve its data tracking relative to Deputy Sheriff’s use of language access services. In 2021, the Office will begin to post quarterly language access assistance utilization data on its website. During the Public Sessions, it was recommended that the Sheriff’s Office develop protocols and appropriate training to best handle traffic stops and other encounters with people who may have developmental disabilities, autism, or other conditions that may affect an individual’s ability to communicate effectively during police interaction. The Sheriff’s Office intends to create a program for its staff in 2021. During the Public Sessions, the ability of Deputies to use discretion when deciding to make an arrest or give a warning was discussed. Deputies also have the discretion to direct a person to mental health services rather than arrest the person. It was recommended that the Sheriff’s Office track how often Deputies use this discretion and publish the data. The Sheriff’s Office intends to continue to build its mentoring program with local school districts. It will expand its involvement with My Brother’s Keeper and seek out other mentoring opportunities in schools and community groups. The Sheriff’s Office will work with community partners, including the Community Advisory Board, to form a working group focused on developing a more diverse workforce. The Sheriff’s Office will revise its mission statement in 2021 to include the goal of developing a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities it serves. In 2021, the Sheriff’s Office will seek out and implement trauma-informed training for its sworn members and customer service training for all civilians who engage frequently with the public. The Sheriff’s Office will implement a specialized training program for Deputy Sheriffs to increase their understanding and awareness of the impact of trauma. The training will help them utilize trauma-informed practices in their interactions with children and adults. In corrections, special needs inmates include any individuals in custody with mental, emotional, or developmental disabilities, disorders, or impairments. Presently, training regarding special needs inmates is presented once in the academy. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office will be expanding upon this curriculum in 2021 so that all sworn staff will receive on-going special needs inmate training. The Sheriff’s Office will implement Realistic De-Escalation training in 2021 for all sworn staff. This form of training exposes staff to real-life situations they may encounter on the job and gives them first-hand experience on how to handle these scenarios. This useful and informative training will assist sworn officers in managing conflicts and help them develop problem solving tools to de-escalate situations they encounter. The Academy Bureau is scheduled to have four qualified de-escalation instructors by January of 2021. De-escalation training will then be used within the Professional Communication block of annual training. The Academy Bureau is working to facilitate the creation of peer support groups within the Sheriff’s Office. These groups will work closely with Chaplains and mental health professionals to provide support to Sheriff’s Office personnel in need. The Academy Bureau is in the process of developing/ implementing a PEER team which will be a first for the Sheriff’s Office. The team’s primary focus will be supporting fellow officers in times of crisis, promoting mental health, and helping to prevent behaviors that may lead to illness, injury, or death of members. During the Public Sessions it was recommended that Academy recruits and sworn personnel receive annual training in LGBTQ cultural diversity. The Sheriff’s Office intends to adopt a relevant training program. The Sheriff’s Office also plans to review cultural competency training curricula and provide this training to all staff. In 2021, the Sheriff’s Office will implement officer wellness "check-ins" with supervisory staff. These check-ins will be conducted regularly to ensure that Deputy Sheriffs and Correction Officers under their commands are taking care of their overall well-being, and effectively managing and coping with stress. All staff at the Sheriff’s Office will be encouraged to be alert to "red flags" with a coworker, or immediately following a Use of Force incident, sick time abuse, or other issues. Staff will then be offered assistance and referred for counseling or treatment. The Sheriff’s Office will launch an internal education campaign to alert staff about the higher rates of depression among law enforcement and the signs and symptoms of depression. Resources will be made available on the Office intranet and on signage in employee areas. The Sheriff’s Office is already using a variety of methods associated with Early Intervention Systems (EIS) that engage supervisors in detecting and remedying problematic behavior that occurs under their command before there are issues that can lead to more serious consequences. The Sheriff’s Office will be exploring database programs used to assist in tracking performance and complaints that occur over the course of an officer’s career. Often, incidents do not occur in quick succession, and personnel and management change over the years. EIS database systems lessen the reliance on institutional knowledge about incidents and provide a means to analyze individual trends over the course of time. In 2021, the Sheriff’s Office plans to utilize the Employee Mentorship Program in another arena – as a non-punitive measure for officers with minor disciplinary sanctions and/or issues. By addressing these behaviors early on, the need for more formal disciplinary measures, as well as the consequences to which these behaviors may lead, will be mitigated before they ever become a major problem for the individual and for the agency. The process to file a complaint with Internal Affairs is on the Sheriff’s Office website but during a Public Session it was recommended that the Office review the website to ensure the public understands the process to file a complaint with Internal Affairs and post a flow chart that provides information on how complaints are handled. The Sheriff’s Office intends to follow through on these suggestions. Community & Legislative Presentation Watch the Meeting Este documento en español. Preguntas? Email: Suffolk_Sheriff@suffolkcountyny.gov Public Information Session #1 Public Information Session #2 Public Information Session #3 Recommended Reading Materials on Police Reform Executive Order 203 NYS Police Reform Guidebook Briefing on the Sheriff’s Office and the Reform and Reinvention Process ​ Pursuant to the directives of NYS Executive Order 203 and following the subsequent guidance provided by the New York State Governor’s Office, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a comprehensive review of its corrections and police divisions’ policies and procedures, community engagement, recruitment and diversity, employee training and well-being, and Internal Affairs operations. Preparation Materials for Public Session The Sheriff’s Office is comprised of a Corrections Division, a Police Division, and an Operations Division. The Corrections Division has 813 Correction Officers who staff two county correctional facilities housing minimum, medium, and maximum-security inmates. ​ The Police Division includes the Enforcement Bureau, Headquarters Bureau, District Court Bureau, Family Court Bureau, Criminal Investigations Bureau, a Special Operations Bureau, and the Pistol License Bureau. These bureaus provide transportation and security of inmates outside the county jails, general law enforcement services to the public, civil actions, and support to other law enforcement agencies. ​ The Operations Division of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office includes Employee Benefits, the Communications Bureau, Quartermaster Bureau, Grants Bureau, Accounting Bureau, Personnel Investigations Bureau, Personnel/Payroll, Fleet Management, and Research and Development. These Bureaus work together to ensure the Sheriff’s Office continues to run efficiently. ​ The Sheriff’s Office Corrections and Police divisions are both recognized as Accredited Agencies in New York State. This designation involves a lengthy, rigorous process to meet and exceed high standards. The Office must continually sustain this level of professionalism to maintain its accreditation status. ​ The Sheriff’s Office is at the forefront of best practices in many areas of operations and has earned national attention for its innovative work in correctional rehabilitation, school-based programming, and intervention services for victims of human trafficking. In 2018, Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. partnered with the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation to educate young people about the warning signs of a peer in distress, how to intervene, and the concepts of inclusivity. He also launched a task force called Deconstructing the Prison Pipeline to drive policy discussions and implement solutions to prevent youth from entering the justice system. The County Sheriff simultaneously expanded correctional rehabilitation programing and launched the START Resource Center on the grounds of the Yaphank Jail to provide case-management services and reduce recidivism. Working with Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare, the Sheriff recruited master’s level Social Work students to participate in an innovative Family Reunification Program which focuses on supportive services for the children of county inmates. He has also advocated for improvements in human services, access to safe housing, and mental health treatment – as well as trauma-informed practices throughout the justice system. ​ In June 2020, in response to growing social unrest and calls for police reform, the County Sheriff announced the formation of a Community Advisory Board and recruited participants via social media and in the local press. All ninety-four people that applied were accepted on the Board, which comprises a diverse group of residents from across Suffolk County. The Board meets monthly to view presentations, discuss topics of interest and concerns, and make recommendations. ​ The Sheriff’s Reform and Reinvention process is focused on the following areas: Reforming and Reinventing Correctional Services Reforming and Reinventing Police Services Community Engagement Recruitment, Diversification, and Retention Sheriff’s Office Training Officer Wellness Internal Affairs The Office is seeking comments, ideas, and suggestions on some of its proposed reforms and will be meeting with community groups and the general public during four sessions in the month of February. The following information is designed to help prompt discussion about reforming policies and practices at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. While the Office is focused on specific areas, and suggested reforms are welcome. ​ Part 1. Reforming and Reinventing Correctional Services The Sheriff’s Office places emphasis on correctional rehabilitative programming. Various in-custody programs provide gender-responsive group and individual counseling, parenting classes, and educational and vocational training for both male and female inmates. Other programs provide essential services to elderly inmates, veteran inmates, human trafficking victims, and those with substance abuse issues. ​ The reduction in county inmates due to New York’s Bail Elimination Act led to a simultaneous decline in the number of individuals participating in the jail’s rehabilitation and reentry programs. This, in conjunction with the COVID-19 pandemic, prompted the administration to find creative methods of providing services to county inmates, as well as justice-involved individuals living in our communities. This work is now coordinated through the START Resource Center by a new team of Correctional Counselors and Community Correction Officers who conduct intake assessments on all county inmates and provide ongoing case-management during incarceration and after release. The Sheriff’s Office also recently began a pilot project with SUNY Stony Brook’s School of Social Welfare to provide services to family units and the children of those in custody. ​ In 2021, the Sheriff’s Office will seek to expand the reach of the START Resource Center by developing satellite offices in other parts of Suffolk County. Planning has commenced to offer more services to individuals released from court, and to reduce barriers to employment, safe housing, mental health treatment, and other common issues. Correction Officers will also receive additional training in working with people with mental illness, de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed practices. The Sheriff’s Office will also expand services for children of those in custody. ​ Discussion Materials: About the START Resource Center Proposed Reform: Expansion of Services for the Children of those Incarcerated https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/53721/2000256-Children-of-Incarcerated-Parents-Framework-Document.pdf Proposed Reform: Using Trauma-Informed Practices in a Correctional Setting https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/Publications/NRCJIW-UsingTraumaInformedPractices.pdf https://traumainformedoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Corrections-Trauma-Informed-Care-infographic.pdf Additional Information on Trauma in Correctional Settings Trauma-Informed and Evidence-Based Practices and Programs to Address Trauma in Correctional Settings Part 2. Reforming and Reinventing Police Services The Police Division is staffed by 240 Deputy Sheriffs that provide critical services for the courts, serve warrants and summonses, make arrests, transport inmates, investigate crimes, and patrol roads and waterways. Recently the Sheriff’s Office began training its deputies in Fair and Impartial Policing, a form of implicit bias training. The Office’s Use of Force policy was revised to ban chokeholds and carotid holds. Body and in-car cameras were distributed to deputies and language assistance services are now available when interacting with people who have limited English proficiency. ​ Future plans include an internal review board to evaluate each use of force incident. Customer Service training will be rolled out to civilian staff in the Enforcement Bureau who field frequent phone calls from the public who are facing eviction. Trauma informed training will be implemented for deputies who are charged with executing Family Court orders to remove children from their homes. The Sheriff’s Office also intends to improve data collection relative to arrests and traffic stops and make that data available on the Sheriff’s Office website. ​ Discussion Materials: Proposed Reform: Using Trauma Informed Care Practices to Safeguard Children following Arrest or Removal from Guardians https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/Publications/IACP-SafeguardingChildren.pdf Proposed Reform: Training in Trauma Informed Practices https://bha.health.maryland.gov/Documents/Trauma-Informed%20Policing%20-%20Betsy%20Wexler.pdf https://www.samhsa.gov/gains-center/trauma-training-criminal-justice-professionals Proposed Reform: Exploring Co-Responder Models for Individuals in Behavioral Crisis and with Developmental Disabilities RESPONDING TO INDIVIDUALS IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS VIA CO-RESPONDER MODELS The Police-Mental Health Collaboration Toolkit https://bja.ojp.gov/program/pmhc Part 3. Community Engagement The Sheriff’s Office regularly participates in formal and informal community gatherings and events. The Office hosts an annual Open House and Family Day and participates in National Night Out to create more opportunities for positive public interactions. In the last few years, the Sheriff’s Office has become actively engaged in mentoring initiatives though My Brother’s Keeper. In 2021, the Office will conduct another mentoring pilot project with the Central Islip School District. ​ Community engagement is also facilitated through the Office’s many task forces and boards, including the Interfaith Council, the Reentry Task Force, the Deconstructing the Prison Pipeline Task Force, the Student Advisory Board, and the Community Advisory Board. Through these initiatives, the Sheriff’s Office regularly engages with hundreds of individuals, non-profit groups, and educators. ​ Discussion Materials: Proposed Reform: The Sheriff’s Office is proposing an expansion of its mentoring initiatives. http://www.nysed.gov/mbk https://leb.fbi.gov/articles/featured-articles/cops-mentoring-kids-an-investment-in-crime-reduction Additional: The Sheriff’s Office intends to expand its Deconstructing the Prison Pipeline Initiative https://315a35fb-4cd2-4c10-ad2f-caceddce343b.usrfiles.com/ugd/315a35_22d112c0e8944c359455cf2539d4a95f.pdf ​ Part 4. Recruitment and Diversification The underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic employees at the Sheriff’s Office is a longstanding issue that is also a challenge throughout Suffolk County government. Suffolk County recently appointed its first ever Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, a new role created by the County Executive to promote diversity and inclusion in the Suffolk County workforce. Nearly all Sheriff’s Office employees are civil servants, and therefore are not exempt from civil service hiring practices, such as testing and established lists based on scoring. The Sheriff’s Office Director of Personnel has been tasked with collaborating with the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer to improve hiring and recruitment practices and increase diversity in its sworn and civilian ranks. Some recent initiatives undertaken by the Sheriff’s Office to aid in diversification include targeted recruitment efforts in local communities, coordinated outreach efforts with non-profits and churches, and social media campaigns. These initiatives had positive results and will continue as new civil service tests are scheduled. ​ Future plans include teaming up with members of the Community Advisory Board to help with recruitment, targeted marketing campaigns, social media outreach, and identifying and reducing barriers to attracting more ethnically and racially diverse candidates. In 2021, the Sheriff’s Office plans to revise its formal Mission Statement to include “developing a more diverse workforce.” ​ Discussion Materials: Proposed Reform: The Sheriff’s Office will set goals to diversity its sworn and civilian workforce. https://www.justice.gov/crt/case-document/file/900761/download https://www.policechiefmagazine.org/creating-a-multicultural-law-enforcement-agency/ Part 5. Training Previous to the current administration, in-service training amounted to less than one day per year. Sheriff Toulon increased in-service training to three days per year for all sworn staff, created the Academy’s first training course catalogue, and implemented mandatory training for all new supervisors. The recent additions to the in-service training program include mental health first aid training, fair and impartial policing, and crisis intervention training. These curricula include realistic and challenging training scenarios to strengthen learning objectives. A new mentoring program supports new employees while learning on-the-job and helps to reinforce the ethical foundation of the professional culture at the Sheriff’s Office. ​ The Office also plans to implement trauma-informed training for its sworn members and customer service training for all civilians who engage frequently with the public. (See corrections and police sections for trainings). ​ Part 6. Officer Wellness Decision making and judgment can be affected by an officer’s mental state. Proper mental, physical, and emotional well-being are essential for an officer to be effective in the community. Recently, the Sheriff’s Office began an employee wellness program to encourage employees to prioritize mental and physical fitness. The Sheriff’s Office Chaplaincy Program provides chaplains from various religious denominations to officers in need. In addition, employee unions have helped connect law enforcement mental health providers with officers in need of psychological and emotional support. ​ Starting in 2021, the Sheriff’s Office will begin officer wellness check-ins utilizing supervisory staff. These check-ins will alert supervisors to red flags indicative of a larger problem. New training at the Academy will focus on officer mental wellness education. ​ Discussion Materials: Proposed Reform: Improve Overall Wellness for Sheriff’s Office Employees https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0862-pub.pdf Part 7. Transparency and Accountability – Internal Affairs Sheriff Toulon and the Executive Staff work to hold all staff accountable for their conduct and to properly and investigate each and every allegation of misconduct. A progressive disciplinary system for all founded violations of agency policies and procedures is in place. The Sheriff’s Office investigates all complaints, whether anonymous or otherwise. Recently Sheriff Toulon established the Quality Assurance and Integrity Unit to evaluate complaint cases for the purpose of decreasing opportunities for re-offense. ​ The Sheriff’s Office already uses various Early Intervention Systems that engage supervisors in detecting and remedying problematic behavior. A database program is being explored to assist in tracking performance and complaints over an officer’s entire career. The Employee Mentorship Program will also be utilized as a non-punitive measure for officers with minor disciplinary issues, avoiding the need for a formal disciplinary process. ​ Discussion Materials: Proposed Reform: Review Employee Intervention Systems; both behavioral interventions and software systems http://www.datasciencepublicpolicy.org/projects/public-safety/eis-overview/ https://www.policefoundation.org/publication/best-practices-in-early-intervention-system-implementation-and-use-in-law-enforcement-agencies/ Part 8. Other Recommendations and Open Discussion