"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. The plan must include the appropriate role of the police, but allow the police to do their jobs to protect the public. Public input on the current relationship of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office with the community is welcome. We are asking for public comment so that we can listen and learn from the community as we review the current perspective of their relationship with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The public comment period will be open until October 23, 2020.
To make a comment please submit it here or mail it to:
Madison County Board of Supervisors
138 N. Court St.
PO Box 635
Wampsville, NY 13163
Goals and Reinvention Plan:
At the end of the public comment period, a group of stakeholders will review the comments and identify any needs for reform. A plan will be created on how those reforms will be achieved in the short- and long-term.
Our drafted plan will be posted for public comment sometime in January 2021. At that time we will look at ways to receive public feedback whether it is through in-person public meetings, virtual meetings, or additional avenues. A plan must be finalized by April 1, 2021 and sent to Albany.
We look forward to getting your input and solidifying the relationship between the community and the Sheriff’s Office.
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, Madison County Sheriff’s Office
- Rev. Mick Keville, Crossroads Community Church
- Chris Lewis, Chairman of the Board at Oneida Baptist Church and Inmate Counselor at Madison County Jail
- Pastor Jeff Leahy, Church on the Rock
- Madison County Assistant District Attorney Robert Mascari
- Dave Desantis Esq., Criminal Defense Attorney
- Teisha Cook, Director of Madison County Mental Health
- Brian Frank, NP with Madison County Mental Health & Madison County Jail
- Mary Margaret Zehr, Superintendent of City of Oneida School District
- Madison County Public Information Officer Samantha Field
Public Comment Period Part 1:
- The Madison County Sheriff's Office solicited public comments via mail and online from September 15 to October 23, 2020. We received 44 comments from Madison County residents as well as a submission from the Hamilton Area Anti-Racism Coalition. On October 30, 2020, the Police Reform Plan Committee held a meeting to review some of the questions and concerns brought up. The Madison County Sheriff's Office and the Committee want to take this opportunity to educate the Madison County community on some of the agency's practices, policies and collaborations.
- The Committee has put together Frequently Asked Questions to answer some of those questions and concerns. (this will be posted shortly)
- Next steps: Now the committee will work on drafting a Police Reform Plan. Once that draft is finalized we will submit it for public comment. The details on that public comment time and date will be forthcoming.
Press Releases:
September 15, 2020 - MC Sheriff's Office seeks public comment on police reform plan
Resources:
NYS Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Resource Guide
Madison County Sheriff’s Mission
Madison County Sheriff’s Use of Force Policy
Madison County Sheriff’s Annual Reports
Data Driven Approaches to Crime & Traffic Safety