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  • Undersheriff Michael Catuosco

    Undersheriff Michael Catuosco Michael J. Catuosco was appointed Undersheriff for Suffolk County in February 2024. Previously, he served as Deputy Undersheriff from May 2019 until February 2024. He joined the Suffolk County Sheriff’s leadership team after serving as a Warden on Rikers Island. In his former position, Undersheriff Catuosco coordinated planning of the Operations Division for the New York City Department of Correction (NYCD), including all facets of financial monitoring, supervision of staff, monitoring overtime and sick leave, and evaluating performance measures. As the Executive Officer for the Deputy Commissioner of Operations, he was responsible for the accountability metrics used in the Total Efficiency Accountability Management System (TEAMS), and the analysis of statistical indicators. During his time with the NYCD, he achieved significant cost savings, and kept overtime within stated quotas, while maintaining the overall safety and security of the facility. Undersheriff Catuosco oversees Sheriff Toulon’s performance management initiative, providing ongoing analysis of the accountability metrics and reporting system implemented by the County Sheriff in 2018. Additionally, he oversees the Training Academy, Firearms Unit, Community Relations Unit, and Wellness Unit, which he led the creation of in 2022.

  • Stop the Bleed

    Stop the Bleed Studies have shown that the help given by an immediate responder can often make the difference between life and death, even before professional rescuers arrive. Stop the Bleed training is a presentation and hands-on practice of direct pressure application, wound packing, and use of a tourniquet. The course was developed for a nonmedical audience to address the needs of the immediate responder to control life-threatening bleeding until help arrives. ​ The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Stop the Bleed training is available for all schools, community organizations, businesses, and religious organizations in Suffolk County. ​ Please use the Community Program Request Form to request this program. ​ ​

  • Sandy Hook Promise "Say Something/Know the Signs"

    Sandy Hook Promise "Say Something/Know the Signs" In December of 2017, then Sheriff-Elect, Errol Toulon attended a gala in New York City for the Sandy Hook Promise Organization. There he met with Mark Barden, one of the founders of Sandy Hook Promise and the father of Daniel, one of the young children killed in Sandy Hook Elementary School. Sheriff Toulon was so moved by this organization, who, out of something tragic, built a school safety program which empowers students, teachers, and the community to make sure this tragedy doesn't happen again. Upon taking office in January 2018, his first priority was to partner with Sandy Hook Promise to bring this presentation to all Suffolk County Schools. Say Something, geared for students grades 6-12, is an education and awareness program that teaches students the recognizable signs and signals of a potential threat, especially over social media and teaches them how to Say Something to a trusted adult. Over the last 25 years, research has revealed that in 7 out of 10 acts of gun violence, a classmate or friend was told that an act of violence would be committed or may take place. In one study, it was reported that in 4 out of 5 school shootings, the attacker had told people of his plans ahead of time. Know the Signs People who are at-risk of hurting themselves or others often show signs and signals before an act of violence takes place. When you don’t know what to look for, it can be easy to miss signs, or dismiss them as unimportant, sometimes with tragic consequences. It’s important to know that one warning sign on its own does not mean a person is planning an act of violence. But when many connected or cumulative signs are observed over a period of time, it could mean that the person is heading down a pathway towards violence or self-harm. By knowing the signs, you have the power to intervene and get help for that person. Your actions can save lives. Say Something informs and educates about observable warning signs (written, spoken, photographed, in video) that are often present in behavior that could lead to someone hurting themselves or others as well as educates individuals on how to safely and anonymously report potential threats. Additionally, the program provides tools on how best to promote and reinforce Say Something. Request a Presentation The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office has 8 officers specially trained to present this presentation. They are available to meet with school faculty prior to showing the presentation to students to answer any questions. They meet with students grades 6-12 to show the presentation, talk about the signs and signals given off by someone who may be a potential threat, and how to have a conversation with a trusted adult. Since partnering with Sandy Hook Promise in September of 2018, our officers have trained more than 25000 Suffolk County students, school faculty, and parents. Use the Request Form to have the program offered at your school.

  • Gang Resistance & Education (GREAT) Program

    Gang Resistance & Education (GREAT) Program The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office recognized the need for a proactive approach in gang prevention here in Suffolk County. ​ The G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program is an evidence-based curriculum offered in many states throughout the nation. The classroom curriculum is taught by Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sheriffs and Correction Officers who received specialized training to present to elementary and middle school students. Prevention as its primary objective, the program aims to prevent bullying, youth crime, violence, drug use, and gang involvement while promoting a positive relationship among law enforcement, families, and our youth. G.R.E.A.T. lessons focus on life skills designed to help students avoid using delinquent behavior and violence to solve problems, and further helps them make positive choices in life. ​ There are four components to the G.R.E.A.T. program: a 13-session middle school curriculum, a 6- session elementary school curriculum, a summer program, and families training.​ G.R.E.A.T. Middle School Component: The G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum is a skills-based curriculum designed to produce knowledge, attitudinal and behavioral changes through the use of facilitative teaching, positive behavior rehearsals, cooperative and interactive learning techniques, and extended teacher activities. The curriculum is integrated with the National Learning English Language Arts Standards and National Health Standards and is based on effective research practices.​ Program Structure: The G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum was designed for middle school entry-level students in 6th or 7th grade. It is taught in the classroom by specially trained, uniformed law enforcement officers. The curriculum can be used in conjunction with other prevention programs that encourage positive relationships among the community, parents, schools, and law enforcement.​ The Lessons: The G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum consists of thirteen (13), 30 to 45-minute lessons designed to be taught in sequential order. Relationship Among Gangs, Violence, Drugs, and Crime What's the Real Deal? Message Analysis Facts and Fiction About Gangs and Violence It's About Us Community; Roles and Responsibilities; What You Can Do About Gangs Where Do We Go From Here? Setting Realistic and Achievable Goals Decisions, Decisions, Decisions: The G.R.E.A.T. Decision-Making Model The Impact of Decisions on Goals The Decision-Making Practice Do You Hear What I Am Saying? Effective Communication Verbal vs. Nonverbal Walk in Someone Else's Shoes: Active Listening Identification of Different Emotions Empathy for Others Say It Like You Mean It: Body Language Tone of Voice Refusal-Skills Practice Getting Along Without Going Along: Influences and Peer Pressure Refusal-Skills Practice Keeping Your Cool: G.R.E.A.T. Anger-Management Tips Practice Cooling Off Keeping It Together: Recognizing Anger in Others Tips for Calming Others Working It Out: Consequences for Fighting G.R.E.A.T. Tips for Conflict Resolution: Conflict Resolution Practice Where to Go for Help Looking Back: Program Review "Making My School a G.R.E.A.T. Place" Project Review ​ The G.R.E.A.T. Elementary School Component The G.R.E.A.T. elementary curriculum is a skills-based curriculum designed as a precursor to the middle school curriculum. This program establishes the foundation that prepares children for the intensified content and cooperation exercises taught in the middle school curriculum while developing a positive bond between law enforcement and youth. Reaching children at an earlier stage of development allows for a better transition into the middle school curriculum. The elementary curriculum is integrated with the National Learning English Language Arts Standards and National Health Standards and is based on effective research practices. ​ Program Structure: The G.R.E.A.T. elementary curriculum was designed for 4th and 5th-grade students. Children who have aggressive behavior in the elementary school years are more likely to display antisocial and violent behavior as adolescents and young adults. By offering prevention education to students in elementary and middle school, it is believed that such programs have a better chance of affecting the developmental course of the problem behavior. The Lessons: The G.R.E.A.T. elementary curriculum consists of six 30 to 45-minute lessons designed to be taught in a sequence. Each lesson is accompanied by a parent letter that the student takes home explaining the lesson and encouraging parent/student interaction. G.R.E.A.T. Beginnings Program Introduction Ground Rules Bullying, Victim, and Bystander To-Do or Not to Do Decisions and Outcomes Identifying Adults When We Need Help Loud and Clear Clear Messages Practicing Different Ways of Communicating Staying Cool When the Heat Is On Identifying When We Feel Anger Practicing Controlling Anger We're All in This Together Similarities and Differences Respecting Others Golden Rule G.R.E.A.T. Days Ahead Program Review Being a G.R.E.A.T. Citizen G.R.E.A.T. Promise​ G.R.E.A.T. Summer Component The G.R.E.A.T. summer program builds on the school-based curriculum by offering students an opportunity to enhance their social skills, giving them alternatives to gang involvement, and adding structure to the summer months. Interested students are asked to enroll and need a parent or guardian's signature on a Membership Agreement and Accident Waiver Form. The Agreement includes a list of rules that each student must agree to follow. Although the summer program is most beneficial when used as reinforcement for students that have received the G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum, students may be selected from other programs or directly from the community. Program Structure: Although each summer program may vary in length of time or other organizational elements, all programs should involve students in a variety of educational and recreational activities. Instruction in the G.R.E.A.T. core concepts, field trips, recreational and sporting events, and Awana Games activities are a part of an effective G.R.E.A.T. summer program. The program can help form positive community partnerships in the public and private sectors through a variety of community service projects. The G.R.E.A.T. summer program provides each agency with the flexibility to address its particular issues and concerns within the context of lessons, field trips, or presentations to the students. The program should be consistent in helping the students develop life or career skills. The Lessons: Self-Image Conflict Resolution Juvenile Law and Procedures Cultural Awareness/Sensitivity Career Exploration Communication Skills Safety Education Strengthening program ​​ Please use the Community Program Request Form to request this program.

  • Command Staff | Sheriff's Office

    EXECUTIVE STAFF Steven J. Kuehhas Undersheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. Sheriff Michael J. Catuosco Undersheriff John M. Becker Deputy Undersheriff Dr. Keith L. Taylor, Sr. Deputy Undersheriff Corrections & Operations Divisions Michael J. Franchi Warden Charles L'Hommedieu Chief of Staff Curtis Sclafani Investigator Deputy Warden Christopher Black Deputy Warden Scott Walsh Deputy Warden Kevin Kelley Deputy Warden Police Division Christopher Brockmeyer Chief Deputy Sheriff Michael Smith Assistant Chief Deputy Sheriff Daniel Berezny Deputy Sheriff Investigator Captain Christopher Guercio Deputy Sheriff Investigator Captain Christopher Barry Deputy Sheriff Captain Salvatore Petrone Deputy Sheriff Captain Sheriff's Executive Staff Victoria DiStefano Public Information Officer Owen Durney Assistant Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator Marlene Madorran Director of Personnel/Payroll Kevin O'Reilly Director of Employee Relations Elizabeth Rae Assistant to the Sheriff

  • Sheriff's Office | Suffolk County Sheriffs Office

    CONTACT ME A Message from Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. Suffolk County Sheriff Welcome to the official website of Suffolk County Sheriff's Office. I am proud of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Sheriff's Office. We are honored to serve and protect the residents of Suffolk County. As your Sheriff, I have made it my priority to protect public safety, speak up and against the grain to do what I know is right, and raise the bar of accountability through robust training, supervision, and adherence to high standards. Throughout my 41-year career in law enforcement, I have also come to believe in the power of community input in government, volunteerism behind the bars, and how correctional institutions can change lives for the better. One of my proudest achievements since taking office is the creation of the S.T.A.R.T. Resource Center on the grounds of the Yaphank Jail. I hope that as you scroll through our website, it will provide you with the information you are seeking, and much more. Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. Suffolk County Sheriff QUICK LINKS NEWS & UPDATES SUFFOLK SHERIFF, WINTERS CENTER FOR AUTISM TO ANNOUNCE NEW TOOL TO AID OFFICERS IN COMMUNICATING WITH AUTISTIC RESIDENTS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23,2024 SUFFOLK SHERIFF, WINTERS CENTER FOR AUTISM TO ANNOUNCE NEW TOOL TO AID OFFICERS IN COMMUNICATING... SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MAKES FIVE DWI ARRESTS SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MAKES FIVE DWI ARRESTS ***** ARRESTS INCLUDE AGGRAVATED DWI, SPEEDING OVER 100MPH ***** ADDITIONAL ARREST... SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF TO INCREASE DISTRACTED DRIVING PATROLS DURING DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2024 Suffolk County Sheriff to Increase Distracted Driving Patrols During Distracted Driving Awareness... 1 2 3 4 5 UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Captain John Rung

    Captain John Rung Deputy Sheriff Captain John Rung is the Commanding Officer of the Sheriff’s Office Warrant Squad Bureau, Domestic Violence Bureau, Investigative Services, and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Section. Captain Rung is also in charge of many community relation programs. Captain Rung is a 25 year member of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. He joined the Sheriff’s Office in October of 1995 as a Corrections Officer working in the Riverhead Correctional Facility. He graduated valedictorian of his Corrections Academy class. In August 1996 he accepted appointment as a Deputy Sheriff. As a Deputy Sheriff, Captain Rung was assigned to various commands including the Civil Enforcement Bureau and Headquarters Bureau. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2005 and was assigned to the Headquarters Bureau as a road supervisor. It was during that time that Captain Rung became involved in the Homeland Security, Emergency Management, and Community Relation programs including the Sheriff’s Office Gang Resistance Education and Training Program. In 2011, Captain Rung was promoted to Deputy Sheriff Lieutenant and was named the Commanding Officer of the First District Court Bureau. Captain Rung initiated policies which increased supervision of Deputies, lowered incidents between staff and prisoners, and increased training opportunities available to Deputy Sheriffs assigned to District Court. Captain Rung has been an active member on planning teams for homeland security drills, is on the steering committee for the Suffolk County Incident Management Assistance Team, a member of the Suffolk County Emergency Preparedness Coordination Council, and a member of the Suffolk County Hazmat Decon Strike Force. His responsibilities includes coordinating with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies for security planning, anti-terrorism activities, emergency management, and Emergency Operations Center command operations. He holds the certification of a Certified Homeland Protection Professional by the National Sheriffs’ Association Institute for Homeland Security. He assisted in developing and currently administers Sheriff Toulon’s School Security Initiative which includes the Sandy Hook Promise Start with Hello and Say Something programs, Civilian Response to Active Shooter Course, Stop the Bleed, and School/Building Vulnerability Assessment program. He is also responsible for several other community programs including Sheriff’s Office Explorers and G.R.E.A.T. He played an integral part in designing and implementing an Employee Mentoring Program that helps guide new Deputy Sheriffs and Correction Officers on their professional journeys. Captain Rung received his Master’s Degree in Homeland Security Management from Long Island University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Dowling College, an advanced certificate in Homeland Security Management from Long Island University, and a certificate in Public Sector Leadership from Cornell University.

  • CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Education) Presentation

    CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Education) Presentation C.R.A.S.E. (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events Training) is designed to provide a model response program to civilians within their community. The presentation provides strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event. This presentation is designed for any public or private building personnel, to educate them on how to respond in the event of an active shooter situation. This 2-hour program provides practical lessons on how to save lives. This program is available for all congregations, schools, offices, and businesses in the 5 East End towns of Suffolk County. ​ Please use the Community Program Request Form to request this program. ​ ​

  • Child Car Seat Safety Checks

    Child Car Seat Safety Checks Nationwide, the statistics on child safety seats are startling. Up to 72 percent of the child safety seats in cars on the road have serious defects or are improperly installed. Protecting your precious cargo is your priority and we're here to help! Specially trained officers from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office are available to attend community forums and event to perform child car seat safety checks. Car seat checks take approximately 20 minutes per vehicle and should be booked in advance prior to your event. Please use the Community Program Request Form to request this program. ​ ​

  • Yellow Dot Program

    Yellow Dot Program Our Yellow Dot program assists citizens during the most critical times of emergency care - following a traffic crash - when they may not be able to communicate their needs themselves. Placing a Yellow Dot decal in your vehicle's rear window alerts first responders to check your glove compartment for vital information to ensure you receive the medical attention you need. ​ Please use the Community Program Request Form to request this program. ​ ​

  • School Vulnerability Assessments

    School Vulnerability Assessments In 2018, Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. established a Security Assessment Initiative for Suffolk County schools and public buildings. This program allows schools and other organizations to have an assessment performed by a certified Crime Prevention Specialist at no cost. The Security Assessment helps to improve the security level of their premises to help prevent property damage or intrusion. These assessments offer site-specific safety tips on how to reduce the incidences of crime. Using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles, specially trained Deputy Sheriffs check the property, identify vulnerable areas, and provide recommendations on how to enhance the security of the property. ​ Please use the Community Program Request Form to request this program. ​ ​

  • Substance Abuse and Vaping Presentations

    Substance Abuse and Vaping Presentations Since taking office in January 2018, Sheriff Toulon has made it a priority to visit with students and school officials to determine how the Sheriff’s Office could assist with programming and training to improve outcomes for youth in Suffolk County. The opioid epidemic, combined with an increase in marijuana use and vaping, were common concerns raised during his meetings. Drug use can often be an underlying cause of aggressive behavior in students and can result in other kinds of conduct -- and over time, poor grades and symptoms of depression or euphoria. School personnel may not equate certain behaviors with drug use or may not know the signs to look for when evaluating behavioral issues. The Sheriff’s Office has officers that provide training to students and school staff. These new programs teach basic education on vaping, drugs, opioid, and alcohol use, as well as diagnostic steps for assessing impairment and strategies to respond to drug and alcohol-induced situations. Presentations Addictive Drug Effects on the Brain: Approximately 1-hour in length, this program, geared for middle and high school students, talks about the long-term effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain. Drug Awareness for School Nurses: This 4-hour program teaches school nurses signs and symptoms of drug impairment and how certain drug reactions can mimic certain medical issues. The presentation goes into greater detail explaining the 7 drug categories, current trends in drug and alcohol use, and how to assess impairment. ​ Vaping: For students, school faculty, and parents, this 45-minute presentation reviews the various vaping devices, what is actually in them, and how they can affect the mind and body. This presentation also shows parents and educators what to look for and signs of possible youth vaping. Please use the Community Program Request Form to request this program.

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