2005 - Niagara County Sheriff`s Office

o ice of the Sheriff - Co
nly 0 Niagara 2005 Annual Report ,
,
,
,
'Ilionlas ..fl. 'Be i{ein
Niagara County Sheriff
In Memorium liTo live in hearts we leave behind Is not to die" - Thomas Campbell
Sergeant Jeffrey Juran
Sheriff Beilein said, "Jeff Juron was well respected in the law
enforcement community. He was always willing to give so much of
himself to his colleagues at work and to the public at large. Jeff
was the driving force behind our taking part in the Ride for Roswell,
the Tour de Cure (for the American Diabetes Association), the Catch
a Falling Star (employee assistance program) and the Juvenile
Diabetes Research Foundation. Jeff made things happen; he was
our 'go-to guy.' The passage of time will not dim our memory of Jeff
or lessen his legacy of wonderful works for others. Losing Jeff Juron
has affected everyone in the Niagara County Office of the Sheriff."
JIMemory is the diary that we all carry about with us." - Oscar Wilde
Special Deputy Wi lliam D. Tolhu rst
Sheriff Beilein said, "Bill's dedication and drive were
legendary and inspired countless officers in the 49 years he
spent in service to the l\Jiagara County Office of the Sheriff.
Bill founded the Special Forces Unit and was a world-wide
authority on training dogs for law enforcement. Everyone in
that field knew who Bill Tolhurst was. His work with specialty
dogs within law enforcement was groundbreaking and
unsurpassed. Bill Tolhurst has left a mark that time will not
erase. We mourn the loss of a remarkable public servant."
MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Office of the Sheriff is to provide the finest public safety servi ces to all those within Niagara
County. In order to accomplish this mission, we will work in unison with other law enforcement and community
agencies to enforce and uphold all laws for whi ch we are responsible.
The Office of the Sheriff will maintain a secure, safe and orderly jail that recognizes the dignity of all individuals,
wh ile adh ering to the standards and guidelines set forth by the New York State Commission of Corrections.
The Office of the Sheriff will serve by protecting individual rights , safeguarding public and private property,
assisting in emergency situations , and performing any other essential service.
By implementing the most extensive training and schooling provided , we will maintain the highest level of integrity,
while working diligently and professionally to provide a safe environment for the public and our members.
CODE OF ETHICS OF THE OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF As a constitutionally elected Sheriff, I recognize and
accept that I am given a special trust and confidence
by the citizens and employees whom I have been
elected to serve, represent and manage. This trust and
confidence is my bond to ensure that I shall behave and
act according to the highest personal and professional
standards. In furtherance of this pledge, I will abide by
the following Code of Ethics.
I SHALL ENSURE that I and my employees, in the
performance of our duties, will enforce and administer the
law according to the standards of the U.S . Constitution
and applicable State Constitutions and statutes so that
equal protection of the law is guaranteed to everyone.
To that end I shall not permit personal opinions, party
affiliations, or consideration of the status of others to
alter or lessen this standard of treatment of others .
I SHALL ESTABLISH, PROMULGATE AND ENFORCE a
set of standards of behavior of my employees, which
will govern the overall management and operation of
the law enforcement functions, court related activities
and corrections operations of my agency.
I SHALL NOT TOLERATE NOR CONDONE brutal or
inhumane treatment of others by my employees, nor
shall I permit or condone inhumane or brutal treatment
of inmates in my care and custody.
I SHALL STRICTLY ADHERE to standards of fairness
and integrity in the conduct of campaigns for election
and I shall conform to all applicable statutory standards
of election financing and reporting so that the Office
of the Sheriff is not harmed by the actions of myself or
others.
I SHALL ROUTINELY CONDUCT or have conducted an
internal and external audit of the public funds entrusted
to my care and publish this information so that citizens
can be informed about my stewardship of these funds.
I SHALL FOLLOW the accepted principle of efficient
and effective administration and management as the
principal criteria for my judgements and decisions in the
allocation of resources and services in law enforcement,
court related and correction functions of my Office.
I SHALL HIRE AND PROMOTE only those employees
or others who are the very best candidates for a position
according to accepted stadards of objectivity and merit.
I shall not permit other factors to influence hiring or
promotion practices.
I SHALL ENSURE that all employees are granted
and receive relevant training and supervision in the
performance of their duties so that competent and
excellent service is provided by the Office of the
Sheriff.
I SHALL ENSURE that during my tenure as Sheriff, I
shall not use the Office of the Sheriff for private gain .
I ACCEPT AND WILL ADHERE TO THIS CODE OF
ETHICS. In so doing , I also accept responsibility for
encouraging others in my profession to abide by this
code.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mission StatemenVCode of Ethics ..... .... .. ..1
Sheriff and Undersheriff/Executive Staff .. ....2
Sheriff's Letter .... .. .... .. .... .. .. .. .... ... .... .. ... ..3
Retirees ..... .. .. .. .. .... .... .. ..
Budget ... ... .. ..... .. .. ... ..
.. ...4
. ...5
Community Awards..... ......... ... ..... .. ... .... ... .. .6
Divisions and Units....... ..... .. .......... ... .. ..7-13
Office of the Sheriff Awards
...... ..14-15
Safe Child/Sex Offender Registry ..... ... ... ..16
*
SHERIFF & UNDERSHERIFF THOMAS A. BEILEI N
SAMUELJ.MUSCARELLA
Sheriff
Undersheriff
EXECUTIVE STAFF
JOHN T. TAYLOR
CHR ISTOPHER J. CARLIN
JOHN SEXTON
Chief Deputy
Chief Deputy
Major
MARGO HALL
JOAN ROCCO
Administrative Supervisor
Confidential Secretary
*
'\h0fl\'AS p\..
y,iue~
Sber iff
u \ J. "N\uscate\\a,Jr. ­
~-all' e
U71d,rlhl!'r~O
(716 ) 43 8­
3370
*
IIService is what life is all about." - Marian Wright Edelman
These 2005 retirees gave over 234 years of service
to the people of Niagara County. CAPTAIN ANTHONY BERAK SERGEANT ROSS ANNABLE CAPTAIN RANDALL SCHERRER DEPUTY JAMES HAIGHT REGISTERED NURSE
KATHLEEN WRIGHT
CAPTAIN JOHN YOUNG DEPUTY SHANNON KENNEDY A CCOUNT CLERK DOROTHEA BURT THE BUDGET DOLLAR COUNTY OF
NIAGARA FISCAL 2005
GENERAL FUND
.28%
Economic Development $640,576
.6%
Debt Service
$1 ,397,520
--,
.84%
Parks, Cuture,
Recreation
$129,359,773 $231,028,650
.27%
Legislature
$618,497
1.69%
Judicial
$3.906,936
.09%
$207,450
Executive
~
~~~======:--==-----.82%
Finance
$1 ,898 ,1 20
3.9%
County Services
$9,009 ,788
1.18%
Special Items
$2,733,200
13.22%
Public Safety & Jail
$30,534,1 93
~-----------
2.2%
Public Health
$5,076,585
55.56%
Aid to New York State
$129 ,359, 773
2.97%
Mental Health
$6.869,065
SHERIFF'S BUDGET 2005 - $32,137,858
JAIL $14,351 ,670.00
STOP-DWlfTRAFFIC SAFETY
$489,576.00
\
E-911
$3,203,208 .00
LAW ENFORCEMENT
$13,131,882.00
TASC~
$169,702.00
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
$374,917.00
WELFARE FUND
$4 16,903.00
*
2005 Eastern Niagara United Way - Community Care Campaign Leader Niagara County Sheriffs Deputy Sheriffs Association and Police Benevolent Association Corrections Officer Ian Langdon
Sheriff Beilein
Captain Steven Preisch
Niagara County Deputy Sheriff Charles Slack wins New York State Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award Deputy Charles Slack is the 2005 New York
State recipient of the National Association of
State Boating Law Administrators' Butch Potts
Memorial Award. Also known as the Boating
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, it is
presented to a boating law enforcement officer
who has made outstanding contributions to
the field of boating law enforcement.
Falls. That's just a single example of the many
challenges he has met with his customary
willingness to do whatever is necessary to carry
out his responsibilities."
Sheriff Beilein said, "This prestigious award
requires constant exceptional achievement
in the specialized area of boating law
enforcement. Charles Slack delivers in every
respect. The Niagara County Office of the
Deputy
Slack's
immediate
supervisor
Sheriff is responsible for patrolling 37 miles of
nominated him and wrote, "Deputy Slack's
international coastline and 540 square miles
personable nature has made being on patrol
square miles of water. For 18 years Deputy
feel like your patrol vessel was on parade with
Slack has dedicated his professional expertise
all of the waves and friendly greetings being
to keeping these waterways safe. A criterion
bestowed upon him. Deputy Slack has become
for the award is exemplary work in education.
such a mainstay on the upper Niagara River
Almost two decades ago,
that on the rare day he would not be working,
the boaters throughout the day . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - , Deputy Slack started teaching
10-18 year olds in the "Make
would continuously question
Sure, Make Shore" program and
his whereabouts. Because of
since that time he has instructed
the rapport he has with the
over 2,000 people of all ages on
boaters and homeowners along
boater safety. Deputy Charles
the upper Niagara River, he is
Slack is a combination of amiable
able to keep any type of illegal
goodwill
ambassador
and
activity ·in check. Once Charlie
highly
skilled
and
demanding
disregarded his own safety and
boating law enforcement officer
pursued a disabled vessel into
the restricted area dangerously
who is making a real difference
close to the brink of Niagara
in our community. He certainly
deserves this award."
Deputy Charles Slack and Sheriff Beilein
*
The Office of the Sheriff
of the County of Niagara
works for the citizens of
Niagara County through
its primary divisions and
support units under the
direction of the Sherif(
The Office of the Sheriff provides diversified
and sophisticated services to the public with
integrity, persistence and sensitivity.
CORRECTIONS
Corrections is the largest division of the Office
of the Sheriff. It operates with a staff of 147
corrections officers and 41 civilian support
personnel in such areas as medical services
and maintenance. The Niagara County Jail
is accredited by the New York State Sheriff's
Association. The accreditation process involves
meeting correctional standards ranging from
fiscal management, hiring practices, security
issues to inmate health care. The average daily
jail population for 2005 was 523, an increase
from 478 in 2004. The jail derives revenue
from several different sources, most of which
is in return for housing inmates from various
agencies like the United States Marshal
Service, United States Immigration Service,
Federal Bureau of Prisons and New York State
Parole and Corrections departments. The jail
also generated income from the United States
Social Security Administration and from inmate
telephone usage. In 2005, the Niagara County
Jail generated almost $2.9 million in revenue,
an increase from 2004 .
Training and re-certification requirements of
the NYS Commission of Corrections were fully
met by division personnel. In 2005, 3,747 hours
of in-service training were amassed in such
areas as adult CPR, first aid, fire prevention,
employee awareness and use of force.
The Sheriff's Work Program helps alleviate
jail overcrowding and saves tax dollars in
housing expenses. Additionally, the program
promotes offender accountability and real
work is completed in the community, bringing
even greater savings for the taxpayer and non­
profit organizations. In 2005 the program saved
taxpayers $2,606,250 lieu of jail housing costs.
The savings in labor costs to civic and volunteer
groups were $211 ,680, for a total program
savings of $2 ,817,930 to taxpayers in 2005.
The Sheriff's Work Program
saved county taxpayers over
$2.6 million in jail housing costs
The Inmate Education Program offers a variety
of programs to reduce idleness, encourage pro­
ductivity, promote a sense of accomplishment
and prepare inmates to become successful
participants within society. Programs include
religious services, educational services, library
services, job skills, job readiness training,
parenting and life management, Alcoholics
Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. In 2005,
231 inmates attended over 100,000 hours of
programming, 231 inmates enrolled in the GED
program( up from 125 in 2004), 43 inmates took
the GED exam and 26 inmates earned their
GED diploma.
The Inmate Education Program compiled
over 100,000 Hours of Programming.
The Corrections Division had over
3,700 hou rs of in-service training.
Corrections personnel transported over 8,100
inmates to various locations, expending 5,840
hours in 2005.
*
The Corrections Emergency Response Team
(CERn is made up of 30 specially trained and
equipped correction officers to respond to and
regain control of situations involving violent,
dangerous and/or non-compliant inmates. CERT
is also responsible for implementing emergency
evacuation procedures and staffing the punitive
segregation housing area. In 2005, CERT was
activated 12 times, performed 94 "shakedowns"
and escorted 313 high-risk inmates.
The Niagara County Jail generated
almost $2.9 million in revenue.
The jail medical department, under the
direction of an MO and a nurse practitioner,
employs RNs, LPNs and a medical secretary to
deal with inmates' medical needs. In 2005 over
3,500 inmates were seen at sick call and 552
were referred to mental health services.
The Civil Division generated more than
$272,000 for the county's general fund.
CIVIL LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Civil Division is an enforcement arm for
the courts and serves divorce and eviction
papers along with warrants and other notices
of appearance. The division also can garnish
wages and take custody of children. Fees are
required for these enforcement services and
money generated is deposited into the l\Iiagara
County general fund through the County
Treasurer's office. In 2005, the division received
4,873) actions for service (up from 4,672 in
2004), an average of about 406 (up from 390
in 2004) per month, and processed $1,867,924
.41 (up over $406,000 from 2004) in gross
receipts; $272,620.06 was deposited into the
general fund of Niagara County, an increase of
$14,932.67 for 2005.
LAW ENFORCEMENT The Road Patrol responded to over 54,000
calls - an average of almost 150 per day!
The Road Patrol provides police services to the
community and, as a result, is the most visible
component of the Office of the Sheriff. Categories
of response include accidents, alarms, larcenies,
criminal mischief, burglaries, arrests and 911 calls
as well as other criminal complaints. Road patrol
deputies responded to 54,539 calls in 2005, up
from 54,216 in 2004. Traffic enforcement efforts
brought about 262 OWl arrests in the county
during 2005. Property damage accidents in 2005
totaled 2,417. There were 1,096 injury accidents
and 16 fatalities in 2005.
The Crime Scene Identification Unit
answered 361 service requests.
The Crime Scene Identification Unit handles
evidence collection, processing of latent
fingerprints at crime scenes, all photographic
functions and fingerprinting of arrestees
for the Office of the Sheriff. In 2005, the unit
responded to 361 calls for service, including
48 auto accidents, 248 crime scenes and 15
autopsies and assistance requests from other
law enforcement agencies. Objectives for 2006
include training in the collection of footwear
impressions at crime scenes and seeking
funding for weather sealed cameras to enhance
the work of the unit.
TheCommunications Center is the initial contact
for most of the public requesting assistance. The
center dispatches appropriate personnel from
the Office of the Sheriff, 5 local police agencies,
28 fire companies, 2 ambulance services and
other organizations depending upon the nature
of the call. The Communications Center received
91,153 calls in 2005, up 2,787 from 2004.
Communications Center personnel implemented
CAD mapping and a Pictometry program for
use in 2005 and oversaw the upgrading of the
Mobile Command Center with new Vertex radios
The Communications Center answered and
a 30-foot hydraulic antenna. The main goal
91,153 police or fire services requests­
for 2006 is to move dispatch operations into the
an average of almost 250 calls every day! communications center at the county Public
Safety Training Center.
*
The Computer Operations Division continued
its work to bring the latest technology to the
Office of the Sheriff in 2005. Thirty (30) computers
throughout the Office of the Sheriff were
replaced with new, more capable computers.
A new IBM 1-5 Series computer system was
installed in 2005, giving greater response and
control over main system operations and all
related public safety software packages . New
wireless systems for the Criminal Investigation
Bureau and the Forensic Lab were activated, as
was a network tape library for archival purposes.
A new computer system also connected court
security operations. It is anticipated 2006 will
see more software upgrades, desktop computer
replacement and better space utilization as
the division moves into the new county public
safety building.
The Criminal Investigation Bureau works
with the road patrol and other law enforcement
agencies investigating serious felony crimes
such as stolen vehicles , larcenies, burglaries,
bomb threats, weapons , homicides and
arsons . Nine hundred and one (901) cases were
handled by investigators in 2005 , which led
to 188 arrests. Burglary and criminal trespass
investigations were the most numerous types
of cases handled by bureau members in 2005 .
The consolidation of the Criminal Investigation
Bureau and the Juvenile Investigation Bureau
will occur in 2006 and is expected to result in
continued maximum response to increased
demands.
The Criminal Investigation Bureau
logged 901 cases.
The Western New York Joint Terrorism Task
Force (JTTF) was formed immediately after the
events of September 11, 2001 , and is made up
of law enforcement agencies from the federal ,
state and local levels. The Office of the Sheriff is
a mem ber of the JTTF and is also represented on
the New York State Counter Terrorism Training
Zone and the FBI Anti-Terrorism Advisory
Committee.
Juvenile Investigation Bureau
investigators continue to make extensive contact
with juvenile offenders and victims. Seven
hundred and twelve (712) cases were handled in
2005. The merger of the Juvenile Investigation
Bureau with the Criminal Investigation Bureau in
2006 will call for cross training of investigators
and combined caseloads which, in turn ,
will bring more efficient case management,
increased personnel for transports and more
effective coverage of on-call scheduling to
meet the needs of law enforcement efforts in
the county.
The Welfare Fraud Bureau investigates and
prosecutes those who criminally take advantage
of taxpayer funded assistance programs. The
bureau's primary goals are prosecution of
criminal offenses, cost savings and recoupment
of money. In 2005 , bureau personnel processed
247 referrals.
The Drug Task Force (DTF) continued its
collaborative approach in 2005 by assigning
teams to the three major cities in Niagara County
and their immediate surrounding areas . The
DTF executed 52 search warrants (up from 46
in 204) and made 181 total arrests (a substantial
increase of 102 from 2004) while handling 311
cases in 2005 . The unit seized drugs valued at
$401,535 and currency valued at $462 ,587 in
2005.
The Drug Task Force
seized drugs
valued at over
$400,000
& currency
valued
at over
$450,000
Court/Building Security deputies are respon­
sible for the safety of state Supreme Court,
County, Family and Lockport City Court judges,
court personnel and juries and promote the
appropriate decorum essential within the
courts. Deputies, fulfilling l\lew York State
Unified Court System mandates, are assigned
for these functions at three courthouses during
each business day. In addition, deputies provide
security at meetings of the l\liagara County
Legislature, Department of Motor Vehicles
offices and the county social services building
in Niagara Falls.
Traffic Unit personnel sustained their empha­
sis on highway safety through education
and enforcement of the state's Tax Law,
Transportation Law and Vehicle and Traffic Law.
The unit partnered with the New York State
Department of Transportation in road safety
checks. Twenty-four (24) safety inspection sites
were established in 2005. Unit personnel also
assisted road patrol deputies with investigations
of motor vehicle accidents involving commercial
motor vehicles.
The Law Enforcement Academy trained 653 officers, and officers accumulated over 2,000 hours of instruction at the academy_ The Niagara County Law Enforcement
Academyconducts and/or facilitates the training
required for all officers of the Office of the Sheriff.
Other law enforcement agencies throughout
Western New York and beyond also use the
training and facilities offered by the academy.
In 2005, 653 officers, up from 456 in 2004,
were trained at the academy and 35 different
agencies (an increase from 22) accumulated
2,035 hours of instruction in 2005. The academy
generated over $21,000 ($5,000 more than the
previous year) in revenue for Niagara County in
2005. The academy instructors are from various
law enforcement agencies and Niagara County
Community College.
'*
The Forensic Laboratory, which holds
national and state accreditation, utilizes five
tech n ical disci pi i nes to assist all law enforcement
agencies in Niagara County with evidence
analysis, identification and preservation. The
chemistry (drug) unit analyzes and identifies
controlled substances and marijuana. There
were 1,464 cases in 2005, up from 1,260 in
2004. The firearms unit analyzes weapons and
ammunition used in the commission of crimes.
This unit handled 88 cases, an increaseof39from
the previous year. The serology unit recovers
and examines blood and bodily fluids and
provides DNA analysis for positive identification
of suspects and victims. Caseload for this
category was 249 in 2005. The toxicology unit
provides assistance for blood alcohol content,
urine analysis and tissue sample analysis. In
2005, 623 cases were processed, up from 566
during the preceding twelve months. The trace
unit analyzes and identifies elemental evidence
such as paint, hair and fibers. This unit is also
instrumental in arson investigations. It handled
41 cases involving arsons in 2005. Also in 2005,
the Lab began participation in National Forensic
Laboratory Information System (1\IFLlS), a
program sponsored by the Drug Enforcement
Administration's (DEA) Office of Diversion
Control. It is anticipated that in 2006 laboratory
expansion will allow processing of all requests
from Niagara County law enforcement agencies
for DNA analysis.
The Forensic Lab processed 1,464 cases
The Property/Evidence Office received 1,389,
items for disposition or storage in 2005, an
increase from 620 items in 2004 Maintaining
inventory by continuing to apply computerized
technology remains a major objective for 2006.
Support Units/ Teams
The Marine Unit serves the community by
promoting boating safety and education
through enforcement of the New York State
Navigation Laws. The unit operates patrol
boats and other watercraft within its 540
square miles of waterway jurisdiction . Marine
Unit deputies logged in excess of 5,400 hours
in 2005. Other notable activities included 356
boat inspections. The division answered 172
navigation complaints, and responded to 62
search and rescue cases, an increase from 36
in 2004. The Marine Division also played a vital
role in "Operation Lake View," a multi-agency,
transnational operation utilizing ground-based
maritime radar on Lake Ontario for detecting
and monitoring vessels engaged in illegal
activity.
a mUlti-agency effort that monitored vessels
making international crossings on Lake Ontario.
The Emergency Response Team (ERT)/
Firearms Training. ERT provides ground
support for emergency situations that require
uniquely trained personnel in the use of
specialized weaponry and tactical deployment.
The ERT conducted 23 operations in 2005 .
In 2005, ERT conducted joint raining with the
Marine Division, Aviation Division and the U.S.
Coast Guard. A major objective for 2006 is to
complete site surveys for Niagara University,
all county buildings and critical infrastructure
locations throughout the county.
The Marine Unit performed
356 boat inspections
The Underwater Recovery Team participated
in 7 operations in 2005. The team worked with a
variety of law enforcement agencies, including
local police departments, the US Coast Guard
and the US Border Patrol. All current divers
met the goal for 2005 of obtaining advanced
certification status. Specialized ice diver and
cold water training remain priorities for 2006.
The Aviation Unit flew 38 missions , consisting
of 92 hours' flying time in 2005. This included
9 marihuana eradication patrols in Niagara and
Orleans counties. In addition, unit members
responded to bank robbery calls and assisted
in searches for emotionally distressed persons.
The Aviation Unit was also a key participant
in "Operation IMPACT (Integrated Municipal
Police Anti Crime Teams) ," a saturation detail
in conjunction with the Niagara Falls Police
Department as well as "Operation Lake View,"
Firearms training is a necessary component to
readiness. In 2005, the goal of conducting 2
training sessions was met. Approximately 225
officers were trained in each session . Officers
received training in weapons use, ballistic
shield use, immediate deployment tactics and
building search tactics. Assessing the training
and equipment needs of department personnel
in responding to critical incidents remains an
ongoing priority.
The Office of Traffic Safety and Stop DWI
supports a vast array of traffic safety measures,
including defensive driving training, education
about the dangers of OWl, and also child
passenger, bicycle, school bus, railroad crossing
and pedestrian safety. The office technicians
installed and/or inspected 219 child seats and
conducted 8 child safety checkpoints in 2005.
Almost 900 children took part in 7 bicycle
safety programs. The 2005 Traffic Safety Fair,
the tenth annual, was a huge success with
the assistance of Niagara Air Base personnel.
More than 2,700 students from 6 counties
attended this seven-day event. In 2005, the
office coordinator presented information on the
structure and implementation of the Niagara
County Underage Sting Operation at the state­
wide county coordinators conference. The
Niagara County format has been adopted by
other counties and become a working model
across the state. Other students throughout the
county in grades K-3 continued to take part in
educational programs tailored to their specific
needs.
The Office of Traffic Safety and Stop DWI
gave hands-on vehicle safety training to
more than 2,700 high school students
The Kg unit utilizes the services of a Police
Service Dog (PSD). K9 services responded to
1,037 calls in 2005. K9 services performed 19
building searches, 26 school searches, 55 area
searches and 27 vehicle narcotics searches
in 2005 for a comprehensive program of drug
intervention and use prevention. Since its
inception, the canine team has worked with
all areas of the Office of the Sheriff, including
the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Warrants
Division, Marine Division, Drug Task Force,
Emergency Response Team, Corrections and
DARE. The Special Forces Unit is also a canine
unit that utilizes specialty dogs to assist law
enforcement personnel in evidence searches
and tracking and apprehension activities.
Special Forces held 95 demonstrations in 2005
with some presentations for as many as 150
people.
The K9 Unit responded to 1,037 calls
The Warrants Division receives and processes
court-ordered arrest warrants. The bureau
received and processed 1,042 warrants and
executed 284 felony warrants in 2005. The
number of misdemeanor warrants in 2005 was
500,41 morethan in 2004. The Warrants Division
was also a major participant in "Operation
IMPACT" in Niagara Falls and continues to be
an active member of the Warrant Task Force
with the US Marshal Service and New York
State Police.
The Drug Awareness and Resistance (DARE)
Unit is a unified effort by DARE-certified
deputies, educators, students, parents and the
Niagara County community at-large. It offers an
educational program in the classroom to prevent
or reduce drug abuse and violence among
young people. In 2005, the curriculum was
presented to about 2,000 students in pre-school
classes, elementary schools, middle schools
and high schools in the county. In addition, a
variety of career days, science fairs, health fairs,
community fairs and other organized events
brought the DARE program to young people
and adults throughout Niagara County. The
DARE scholarship program, initiated by Sheriff
Beilein , was continued and 11 high school
students were awarded scholarships. Major
goals for 2006 include increasing the venues
for Operation Safe Child and bringing to all
high schools in Niagara County an educational
program focusing on the harmful aspects of
OWl.
It.1I:
,1 •. ",
......... 1
"\
• b.... t'
The DARE Scholarship Program awarded
scholarships to 11 high school students.
School Resource Officers (SROs) continue
to be assigned to NiagaralWheatfield School
District, Newfane Central School District
and Orleans/Niagara Board of Cooperative
Educational Services (BOCES) to carry out
additional proactive measures and combat the
growing national problem of school violence.
The
Domestic
Violence
Intervention
Program's (DVIP) main function is to provide
outreach and advocacy to all victims of domestic
violence throughout Niagara County. In 2005,
the DVIP acted upon 3,382 Domestic Violence
Incident Reports submitted by police agencies
in the county. The DVIP processed 2,200
Orders of Protection, an increase from 1,979
in 2004 which underscores the importance of
the DVIP to address this major social dilemma
that adversely affects the quality of life in
Niagara County. Goals for 2006 include seeking
additional funding to maintain existing services
and completing and distributing the Niagara
County Family Violence resource directory that
contains all services to be used in assisting
victims and their families.
The Victim's Assistance Unit (VAU) helps
crime victims from all communities in Niagara
County. Victims of crimes ranging from homicide
to domestic and elder abuse to physical assault
are helped to file compensation claims with the
NYS Crime Victims Board for medical expenses,
loss of property and other reasons. In 2005 , 690
such claims were submitted and 595 claims
were paid $375,003.31, up from $342,692.58
in 2004. The VAU also gives victims referrals
for food, clothing, shelter or counseling and
accompanies victims to court appearances. The
unit furnished services for 2,480 new victims in
2005 and 3,395 follow-up services for previous
victims, 516 more than the previous year.
AWARDS The Sheriff's Medal of Valor is awarded for displaying an act of courage involving
great risk and injury, with knowledge of such risk and injury, to save or protect human
life. These members of the Office of the Sheriff received this distinguished recognition
in 2005:
Deputy Gary May
Deputy Jared Ander
Deputy Frank Peplowski
Sgt. Patrick Needle
Deputy Craig Beiter
Deputy Gerry Granto (2)
Captain Bruce Elliott
Deputy Mike Kloch
Deputy Kevin Landrigan
Sgt. Steve Broderick
Deputy Greg Schuey
The Combat Cross
is awarded for an act of extraordinary
heroism while in personal combat with
an armed adversary, or for sustaining
an injury while in personal combat with
an armed adversary. Recipients were
Deputy Gary May and Deputy Craig
Beiter.
Deputy Gary May
Deputy Craig Beiter
The Sheriff's Excellence Award is presented for an act involving grave personal danger
or for an act above and beyond one's duty. 2005 honorees were:
Deputy James Hildreth
Deputy James Lucas (2)
Deputy Brian Grear
Captain James Voutour
Deputy
Deputy
Deputy
Deputy
Roger Schreader
Kevin Rohde
Joseph Shanley
Craig Beiter
Deputy Jared Ander
Investigator Randy Fry
Deputy Frank Dispenza
The Sheriff's Distinguished Service Award
is presented by the Sheriff for his personal
recognition to any member of the Office of the
Sheriff who demonstrates outstanding service
and dedication to the Office of the Sheriff and
the citizens of Niagara County. Captain Scott
Lombardo was honored in 2005.
Office of the Sheriff
Persistence Pays Off
in Federal Funds
A Citation is awarded to a sworn member or
division of the Office of the Sheriff deserving
recognition but whose actions do not match
the definition of a particular medal or award.
Actions for consideration are those beyond the
normal course of duty, extraordinarily difficult or
complex, orthosewhich bring about exceptional
acclaim or credit to the individual or the Office
of the Sheriff. Receiving citations were:
Aggressively researching and applying for little
known federal funding has paid off for the
people of Niagara County. The U.S. Department
of Justice announced the award of $18,531 to
the county to reimburse some of the costs of
incarcerating criminals who have committed
serious crimes .
Captain Bruce Elliott
Sgt. Ronald Steen
Deputy Jill Harrison
Deputy James Hildreth
The initial Craig C. Harmon Memorial Award
was presented to Investigator John Wick and
Deputy James Lucas . This award will be
received annually by a Criminal Division Officer
(one from the uniform division and one from the
plainclothes division) for his/her commitment to
overall excellence to duty, the community, co­
workers and family.
Investigator
John Wick
Sheriff
Beilein
Deputy
James Lucas
Sheriff Beilein The George Gallagher Memorial Award
recognizes citizens for their assistance to the
Office of the Sheriff. Civilians Kevin Jacob,
Jason Lombardi, Joao Kinch and Lonnie
Himes were all honored for acts of courage
as they aided Office of the Sheriff personnel
in the rescue of their fellow citizens from life­
threatening situations.
Sheriff Beilein said, "Federal mandates often
mean local governments are responsible for
using local dollars to pay for these imposed
services. In the Office of the Sheriff, we are
constantly looking for ways to reduce the burden
on the county taxpayer. That's particularly true
when it comes to absorbing federal or state
mandates which are beyond our direct control
and often counteract our efforts to be cost
effective at the local level.
"Receiving this grant is just one example of our
determination to cushion the costs associated
with public safety programs required by the
federal government. Finding this money can
be a complex and unwieldy process. In this
case, 20% of eligible local entities successfully
applied for these dollars. Our link to the Justice
Department's Grants Management System
enabled us to tap into resources available and
be one of those successful applicants. The
bottom line is, Niagara County residents have
fewer dollars leaving their wallets to pay for
costs demanded from government outside the
county. This type of approach will continue to
be one of our priorities."
Operation SAFE CHILD
Operation SAFE CHILD is a new cooperative
program of l\Jew York State agencies and the
Niagara County Office of the Sheriff to heighten
child safety awareness. Formed in 2005,
Operation SAFE CHILD uses the latest digital
fingerprinting technology and high resolution
photography to produce 10 cards for parents
and guardians. 10 cards contain a child's name,
biographical information and a fingerprint image
of both index fingers. Cards can be made in less
than 2 minutes and easily carried in a wallet or
pocketbook. Operation SAFE CHILD's goal is
to store fingerprints, biographical information
and photographs to expedite the return of a
missing child.
Sheriff Beilein explains program
Sheriff Beilein said , "Operation SAFE CHILD is a partnership with the Missing and Exploited Children
Clearinghouse of the state Division of Criminal Justice Services . The Niagara County Office of the
Sheriff is continually looking to take advantage of all the tools available to protect our citizens. This is
especially true for the most vulnerable, and that includes our children . Storing and purging information
is voluntary and requires the written consent of a parent or guardian. Operation SAFE CHILD can
serve as a link to the state AMBER Alert and Missing Child Alert programs and significantly improve
the likelihood of finding a child quickly. I enthusiastically endorse Operation SAFE CHILD and urge the
people of Niagara County to contact the Sheriff's Office to participate."
Sex Offender Registry
Available by the
Niagara County
Office of the Sheriff
Investigator Leonard Guagliano presents
A message from Sheriff Beilein:
All too often, the most heinous crimes are committed against the most vulnerable victims - our children.
Sexual abuse inflicted on the young frequently leads investigators to perpetrators with histories of sex
crimes. We do all we can to apprehend and convict these criminals. However there comes a time
when they are released to the community. Laws have been passed to notify both law enforcement
and the public at large when sexual offenders are returned to society. We all need to know where
they live. To inform you and keep where you live safe, the Office of the Sheriff developed an email
notification system. Go to www.ncsd .com and follow the simple directions on the notification page to
be alerted when a registered level 2 or level 3 sex offender moves into any of the twelve towns under
the jurisdiction of the Niagara County Office of the Sheriff. This will also give you other important details
about the New York State Sex Offender Registry. Working together and using this latest technology
and up-to-date information, we can help our children grow and prosper in a safe environment. In
addition, as always, you are encouraged to call the Office of the Sheriff with any concerns.
Niagara County Sheriff's Office Wins International Police Vehicle Design Award The Niagara County Office of the Sheriff received
first place in the Sheriff's Agency category of
Law and Order magazine's 2005 International
Police Vehicle Design Contest. After more than
20 years of vehicle design contests, Law and
Order magazine formalized marking guidelines
for police vehicles in order to standardize
evaluating the ever-growing emphasis on
distinctive features on police vehicles. "We
added gold and black to the state Sheriff's
Association standard white vehicle with red
lettering. Reflective 3M material was used to
accentuate the wording 'Sheriff' in night or day
conditions. This modern , visible design has
created a great deal of positive public interest.
Th is is muc h more than just aesthetics; the
public instantly recognizes Sheriff's vehicles.
Receiving this honor is a real testament to the
creativity of those who worked on the design,"
said Sheriff Beilein .
THEN....
AND NOW. ...