Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee has been in existence for many years and meets to consider and debate new and innovative measures intended to enhance and improve the general safety and welfare of the citizens of Erie County.

Recently, the Public Safety Committee recommended and the voters approved a proposal to merge the County's Holding Center and Correctional Facility. This proposal is estimated to save taxpayers in excess of $500,000 per year. Other issues that have been considered in past meetings include the addition of more Holding Center deputies to reduce overtime costs, enhancements to the county District Attorney's sex crimes and domestic violence units, county Emergency Services plans to address biological weapons scares, such as anthrax, and recruitment for volunteer firefighters.

Once the items have been reviewed and the committee members vote for approval, items are then sent to the next legislative session for approval on the floor. The committee usually meets once every two weeks and averages 12 meetings per year. As is the case in all legislative committee meetings, the Public Safety Committee meetings are open to the public.