Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative

"It is the mission of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office to serve the public with compassion, respect and courtesy while upholding the Constitution of the United States and enforcing the Laws of New York in order to protect the lives and property of all. To serve as an example for others to follow and fulfill the oath of our chosen profession with integrity, honor and pride. To hold ourselves to a higher standard without conceit with the goal to be a trusted community team member that preserves the rights and dignity of all and provides value to every person in Madison County."

- Sheriff Todd Hood

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division is accredited by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Of about 500+ police agencies in New York State, only about 150 are accredited. Madison County Sheriff’s Office received their accreditation in September 2019. Accreditation provides formal recognition that the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division meets or exceeds general expectations in all operations (training, fiscal management, personnel practices, policies, and records management) and acknowledges the implementation of policies that are conceptually sound and operationally effective.

Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative

On June 12, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo issued Executive Order No. 203 requiring each local government in New York State to adopt a policing reform plan by April 1, 2021. The Order authorizes the Director of the Division of the Budget to condition State aid to localities on the adoption of such a plan.

The New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative asks local police agencies to actively engage with stakeholders in the local community and have locally-approved plans for the strategies, policies, and procedures of local police agencies. Public input on the current relationship of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office with the community was welcome, with a public comment period open until October 23, 2020. An in-person public comment period was also held on December 16, 2020 via Zoom. After three public comment sessions, a final plan was drafted and approved by the Madison County Board of Supervisors on March 9, 2021.

Final Plan

Madison County Sheriff’s Office Final Plan March 3, 2021

Draft Plan

The Madison County Police Reform Committee and Madison County Sheriff’s Office released a draft reform plan on February 12, 2021. The Plan focuses on areas such as mental health, including Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for deputies and a call diversion policy with the Mental Health Department and 911. The Sheriff’s Office also plans to update its records management system and report monthly on complaints to the Madison County Criminal Justice, Public Safety & Emergency Communications Committee.

Public Comment Sessions

If you were not able attend the public comment sessions, residents could submit comments via email or mail to P.O. Box 635, Wampsville, NY 13163. Comments were accepted until March 1, 2021.

Police Reform Plan Committee

Members:

  • Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood
  • Madison County Administrator Mark Scimone
  • Madison County Attorney Tina Wayland-Smith
  • Georgetown Supervisor Pete Walrod
  • City of Oneida Supervisor Mary Cavanaugh
  • Captain William Wilcox
  • Rev. Mick Keville
  • Chris Lewis
  • Pastor Jeff Leahy
  • Madison County Assistant District Attorney Robert Mascari
  • Dave Desantis Esq.
  • Teisha Cook
  • Brian Frank, NP
  • Mary Margaret Zehr
  • Madison County Public Information Officer Samantha Field

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