Explore The Sheriff's Office: Office of Sheriff Undersheriff Administrative Services Senior Executive Assistant Police Services Division Jail Management Division Civil Process Division Court Division Technology & Advancement Division Domestic Violence/Violence Prevention Division

Undersheriff

     The Undersheriff assists the Sheriff in the direction and organization of the Erie County Sheriff's Office; Assumes duties of Sheriff of Erie County in the absence of the Sheriff.

     Undersheriff duties include:

Assumes the position of acting Sheriff in the county in the absence of the Sheriff of Erie County. Performs administrative services coordinating the activity of the Civil Division, Court Division, Patrol Division, Jail Management Division, Domestic Violence Prevention Division, and the Technology and Advancement Division; Assists in the training of Deputy Sheriff's in several divisions; Directs the field operations of several divisions as required, coordinates division activities; Acts as liaison with State, Federal and Local Law Enforcement agencies in relation to Sheriff's Office activities;

     The Undersheriff has a thorough knowledge of the Penal Law; thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of Law enforcement; thorough knowledge of budget and personnel administration; good knowledge of the Civil Practice Rules and Laws of New York State; ability to maintain harmonious relationships with all levels of Law Enforcement agencies; ability to instruct and train officers in the professional aspects of law enforcement; thorough knowledge of Case Law, ie: Supreme Court, New York State Court of Appeals.

Training

     The Erie County Sheriff's training academy Director and staff are responsible for the professional education of all personnel employed by the Erie County Sheriff's Office. This responsibility includes the four departmental divisions; Police Services, Corrections, Courts and Civil Process. Also included is a requirement for training of civilian or unsworn staff.

Recruit Level

     Once qualifying from the Civil Service examination and completing all mandatory steps for employment, recruits enter the appropriate Basic Training Program.

Police Services

     Officers in this category will enter the next Basic Police Training Course held at the central Police Services Academy. This is an intense twenty (20) week program that prepares personnel to meet the rigors of modern policing.

     Upon graduation, the recruit returns to the Sheriff's Training Academy where they are then assigned to a ten (10) week Field Training Officer(FTO)Program. During this ten (10) weeks they apply in the field what they have learned in the academy. At all times they are under the supervision of a certified FTO officer.

Corrections

     Officers in this category complete a six (6) week certified Commission of Corrections Basic Course. After certification they enter a five (5) week FTO program where trained officers prepare them for working the Erie County Holding Center and the Erie County Correctional facility in individual assignments.

Civil Process

     Officers in this category complete a one (2) week concentrated program to train them in all aspects of civil law and regulation. After working in the field for a period, officers return to complete an advanced course in civil law.

In Service

     All divisions of the Erie County sheriff's Office are required to have officers complete a minimum number of hours of annual training. This training is required to maintain N.Y.S. Accreditation and a consistent update of knowledge for all officers. In-service training also provides specialty skills training for such units as S.W.A.T., helicopter, Narcotics, Arson, marine, D.A.R.E., etc. This segment of education for our officers is an ongoing process designed to guarantee current knowledge of law and technology.

Student Intern Program

     An innovative student intern program is offered through the Erie County Sheriff's office to local Colleges and Universities. This program is designated to service college students studying the discipline of "criminal justice". Canisius College, Buffalo State College, Hilbert College, Erie Community College, Niagara Community college, and the University of Buffalo regularly enroll students in the program

Citizen Police Academy

A Partnership With The Sheriff's Office & The People We Serve

     I cordially invite you to participate in the Erie County Sheriff's Office Citizen Police Academy. The academy will be comprised of citizens of Erie County and presenters from the Erie County Sheriff's Office. Sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings between the hours of 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

     We hope to provide the citizens of Erie County with an informational program regarding the operations, functions and services provided by the Erie County Sheriff's Office.

     We look forward to meeting with you soon, - Sheriff Timothy Howard & Undersheriff Richard Donovan

Citizen Police Academy Schedule (Ten Week)

• The Citizen Police Academy is a ten-week program. Classes will three hours in duration, held one night per week.

• Sessions will be scheduled in the spring and fall of the year.

• Most aspects of the Sheriff's Office will be covered

• A graduation will be held at the completion of the Citizen Academy

Notice:

     100% attendance is required to obtain Citizen Police Academy graduation certificate. Classes may vary from week to week.

Additional Information:

If you are interested in participating in the Sheriff's Citizen Police Academy, call or write:

Erie County Sheriff's Office
Chief Michael Pliszka
10 Delaware Ave
Buffalo, New York 14202

     If you have any questions, feel free to contact Chief Pliszka by phone at (716) 858-8088 or by e-mail at pliszkam@erie.gov

The Professional Standards Division

     The Professional Standards Division is an avenue through which citizens can both protect their rights and voice complaints of possible misconduct of employees.

     Complaints received from citizens are treated in a positive manner. They are investigated, validated and disciplinary action, if any is determined.

The Unit also:

• Investigates inter-departmental incidents.
• Conducts confidential investigations.
• Prepares Civil Law suites.
• Monitors absenteeism.
• Performs internal investigations.
• Conducts pre-employment background checks.
• Facilitates urinalysis testing of all probationary employees.

     The Professional Standards Unit continues to scrutinize and update to conform with administrative and civil fields of legalism.

The Accreditation/Quality Control

     Was implemented in 1999 to insure ongoing compliance with all of the Erie county Sheriff's Office department policies and procedures, rules and regulations, and to insure continuous compliance with accreditation standards.

Labor Relations

     Represents the Erie County Sheriff and the County of Erie regarding employee contract negotiations. The labor Relations Unit is a collecting point for all grievances and hearing notices regarding various labor contracts within the Erie County Sheriff's Office.