Jefferson County Sheriffs

753 Waterman
OfficeDrive
Colleen M.
ONeill
Sheriff

Watertown, New York 13601

Brian R.
McDermott
Undersheriff

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 9, 2015

SHERIFF ONEILL OUTLINES 100-DAY PROGRESS REPORT

Sheriff Colleen ONeill released a summary of the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office
accomplishments and initiatives that have occurred during the first one hundred days of
her administration. These include:

Completion of over 200 pistol permit applications. Pistol permit applications,

background checks and Sheriffs review have been prioritized over the last
several months. In the future, applicants will not be required to wait an
excessive amount of time for their permit applications to be processed.
Construction completed on dormitory unit in the jail. A total of 36 new beds
are available which is helping to reduce out boarding of inmates. This is in
addition to the 12 cells opened recently with the remodeling of Pod 3A. The
Sheriffs Office is coordinating with the Jefferson County District Attorneys
Office and the courts to provide better management of inmates thus
increasing housing efficiencies. A projection of savings over last years related
expenses will likely be over $1 million dollars.
Thorough review and scrutinizing of overtime and expenses. Undersheriff
Brian McDermott reviews, on a daily basis, the purchase requests and
spending of the entire agency. New practices for overtime authorization and
training, less out boarding transports and lodging expenses, and hiring new
corrections officers to fill gaps created by retiring officers will keep expenses
within the Sheriffs budget.
Special Patrol Officers hired to provide security at the Watertown International
Airport. This initiative eliminates overtime costs and frees patrol units up for
regular duty.

 Submission of a plan to construct an evidence storage facility. The new

addition will allow for the streamlining of procedures and new computerized
inventory management which aids in organization and potentially accelerates
the return of property to owners and victims. This is part, in anticipation of a
future accreditation initiative through the New York State Department of
Criminal Justice Services.
Increased support of Metro-Jefferson Drug Task Force. Sheriff ONeill is
supporting our local law enforcement commitment in the fight against drug
dealers and associated criminals. An additional Detective is being assigned to
the MJDTF to fight for victims whose lives have been shattered by illegal
drugs.
Implementing of a new jail meal program. Purchasing food through a national
third party provider has cost savings benefits, storage area relief and positive
inmate health considerations. Savings are projected to be above $50,000.00
annually.
Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Project launch. The Sheriffs Office is
partnering with Jefferson County Community Services to help reduce crime
and improve outcomes for individuals with mental illness. Enhancing criminal
justice and behavioral health collaboration will include the implementation of
an Emotionally Disturbed Person Response Team (EDPRT) and new mental
health screening and treatment options for inmates.
Establishing a Student Safety Program. With funding secured by
Assemblywoman Addie Russell, the Sheriffs Office will implement a new
program that will have a dedicated Deputy who will be trained and equipped
to visit all interested Jefferson County schools on a regular basis. The officers
role will be to promote safer schools and safer environments for students.
Sheriff ONeill recognized the hard working officers and staff that comprise the Jefferson
County Sheriffs Office. It is important to me that the taxpayers and community know
that all of these talented men and women work long hard days and nights in an effort to
keep us safe. said Sheriff ONeill. I am proud to work with them.