A short time after I placed my hand on the Bible and took my oath for a second term, I began mapping out what the next four years may look like. As we enter 2025, I believe it is important that I set a vision for the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and plan for the future. The world of law enforcement is ever-changing, and we must keep up with technology, law changes, the needs of our community and maintain a well-trained staff that is proficient in the latest practices.
In the technology forum, we are constantly evaluating our 911 communications center and the backbone of the radio system. Vast improvements have been made in the center, including text to 911. Additionally, several emergency communications towers have been added throughout the county. Moving ahead, we will be refurbishing the dispatch consoles for optimum efficiency, adding a tower on the far east end of the county and replacing portable radios for the Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement agencies within this county. It is critical that we can properly handle all 911 emergencies and have the communication capabilities to cover the needs of our first responders. Our Emergency Response Team received upgrades that will improve their response to dangerous situations and keep them safer during operations. Advanced training during this year will maximize their capabilities to keep our community safe.
The dynamic of law changes in New York state seems to be never ending. I would deem that the bulk of criminal justice reform has not been law enforcement friendly. Legislative changes such as bail reform, discovery, raise the age, less is more and HALT have had a significant negative impact on our ability to keep the community safe. These reforms were all attempts by the downstate majority to “level the playing field” for those accused of crimes and criminals. The impact can be seen in repeat offenders, younger offenders carrying firearms, criminal cases being dismissed on technicalities, parolees given opportunities to reoffend and the emboldening of our incarcerated population. This all adds up to a more challenging environment for law enforcement. We will continue to push for common sense change to legislation that ultimately affects you, the law-abiding citizen.
Responding to the needs of the community is and will always be a moving target. In the first years of my term, the needs from law enforcement during COVID were somewhat different than they are today. While call volume was down, we had the opportunity to provide more public service such as welfare checks and meal delivery. Fast forward a few years and we were combatting violent crime with our law enforcement partners. Other issues like border security came to the forefront along with concerns of reckless vehicle operation on our roadways.
We will continue to be responsive and offer solutions to address new trends or issues as they arise in Niagara County. Tamping down violent crime has been a team effort amongst local, state and federal agencies, and that will continue into 2025. We will continue working with our federal border agencies to assist in maintaining our northern border security. As the traffic complaints continue, we have implemented a full- time traffic unit to assist in changing driving habits. Rest assured, we will adapt and respond as we move forward this year.
As the world of law enforcement is ever changing, so is the training we must provide to meet the demands placed upon us. We will continue to provide and seek out the most appropriate training to keep our staff operating at the professional level you expect. Whether it is the communications center, road patrol, corrections or the multitude of other divisions, you can expect the best from us.
Lastly, we will maintain focus on other issues that are important to all of us, such as school safety, domestic terrorism prevention, community engagement, reduction of recidivism, employee wellness and overall crime reduction. 2025 will be a year of more growth and expansion of capabilities to accomplish these goals. We have added staffing, improved training facilities, enhanced technology, and we look forward to serving all of you in Niagara County. Stay safe out there!