S.H.I.E.L.D. 2002 highlights the programs, policies and initiatives that I will implement as Erie County Sheriff. It encompasses both enforcement and prevention. It will be accomplished through proactive police work, education and awareness. My strategy for a safer Erie County concentrates on:
Departmental Reform
Responsible supervision requires that necessary services be provided in the most cost-efficient manner. Although the Sheriff's Department is not meant to be a profit making entity, it must remain responsible for exercising and implementing its duties in a manner that does not sacrifice public safety. To this end, comprehensive evaluations of all departmental function will be an ongoing process throughout my administration. These internal assessments will include:
- Top-to-bottom review of all administrative functions to determine the necessity of various levels of supervision. Unnecessary positions will be eliminated and the money saved will be reinvested into community safety programs.
- Labor saving technology will be utilized such as computer e-mail between various units. A similar system will be employed as a cost cutting measure for scheduling the transfer of prisoners from the holding center to the courts.
- Administrative and clerical tasks currently performed by police personnel will be "civilianized" to maximize the number of police on patrol.
- The department will work cooperatively with other law enforcement agencies as equal partners so as to prevent breakdown. Cooperative law enforcement requires both providing and accepting assistance.
- Review of all overtime expenditures to eliminate unnecessary costs and to determine if the hiring of additional personnel would in fact save the taxpayers money. Hidden costs, such as mistakes caused by fatigue and the resultant civil litigation, must be factored in.
- Develop a strategic plan for the Holding Center to ensure that adequate space is available for the detention of dangerous criminal awaiting trial. Overcrowding is an unacceptable reason for the release of such predators.
- Conduct citizen satisfaction surveys to evaluate the quality of service provided by Sheriff's Department personnel.
- Pursue and maintain Accreditation status as recognized by NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services for all eligible Divisions of the Department.
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