Sandy Hook Promise "Start With Hello" In December of 2017, then Sheriff-Elect Errol Toulon, Jr. 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, that out of something tragic, built a school safety program which empowers students, teachers, and the community to become empowered bystanders. Upon taking office in January 2018, his first priority was to partner with Sandy Hook Promise to bring their programming to all Suffolk County schools. Start With Hello, which is geared for students in grades K-12, teaches children, teens and young adults how to be more socially inclusive and connected to one another. ​ Social isolation is the feeling of being left out, lonely and treated like you are invisible. At every school and in every community there are children who feel like they have no friends and quietly suffer through each day especially at lunchtime and other moments where friends gather together. Young people who are isolated can become a victim of bullying, violence and/or depression. As a result, many people pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development and/or choose to hurt themselves or others. ​ Sandy Hook Promise.jpg Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon would like to remember all the victims lost on December 14, 2012 in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Sheriff Toulon looks back on that day and why he is passionate about making sure it doesn't happen again. Start with Hello teaches students, educators, parents and other community leaders to make sure that no one eats alone. This simple action instills the power and reward of social inclusion – that when you see someone alone at lunch (or across any other experience), say hello, introduce yourself, ask them to join you. 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. ​ Start With Hello educates students on how to be more socially inclusive to prevent feelings of social isolation, feelings of being left out or unnoticed, further preventing the risk of school violence.​ 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 K-12 to show the presentation. In September of 2019, the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office will start presenting this program.​ For more information on the Sandy Hook Promise "Start With Hello" Program or to book a presentation, please fill out the contact form below and someone will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Shed the Meds Looking to get rid of unwanted or expired medications in a way that is safe and protects our environment? Drop them off for safe disposal by the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office. Safely disposing of medication prevents pollution of our ground water and keeps them out of the hands of young children and others who might abuse them. To schedule a Shed the Meds event at your agency, please use the Program Request form and scroll down to select "Shed the Meds" under "Community Programs." Shed the Meds events are for community members only. No commercial or doctor's office expired medication disposal. Liquid medications and sharps will not be accepted at the events. For more information, contact the Community Relations Bureau at 631-852-5611. ​ ​

Senior Medical ID Cards The Sheriff’s Office Medical ID Cards assist seniors or those with medical needs to keep all required medical information available on a small card with them at all times in case of emergency. The Sheriff's Office regularly visits senior centers, VFW halls and other community groups to provide emergency medical alert ID cards. There is no cost for the card. Please use the Community Program Request Form to request this program. ​ ​

Explorers Program Law Enforcement Exploring is a hands-on program offering young adults a personal awareness of the criminal justice system through training, practical experiences, competition, and other activities. Exploring is intended to educate and involve youth in law enforcement operations, to interest them in possible law enforcement careers, and to build an understanding of working in the field. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Program promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship, and patriotism. ​ For more information on our Explorers Program, or to register your son or daughter, email Captain John Rung at John.Rung@suffolkcountyny.gov . ​ ​

Test, Don't Guess Drug and Alcohol Test Kits Home Drug Alcohol & Test kits have been purchased by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and are made available to residents in Suffolk County. The program aims to offer free drug test kits that can be used in privacy to assist parents and guardians with monitoring the behavior of their children who are under the age of 18. The test kits give parents a tool to engage in the critical conversations about drug use; and offers a method for parents who suspect their child may be using illegal substances to be reassured of their judgment and seek professional help if needed. ​ Individual drug and alcohol test kits are available at your local legislator's office or at our Riverhead Correctional Facility located at: Riverhead Correctional Facility 100 Center Drive Riverhead, NY 11901 ​ ​

College Internships ​The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office offers a college internship program for students who have a strong interest in law enforcement and/or are currently enrolled in criminal justice courses. The program is designed to give an in-depth working view of the Sheriff's Office, offering a broad spectrum of work areas which contain different aspects of law, both criminal and civil. The program runs during the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Spring and fall semesters run a 16-week program and the summer semester runs for 13-weeks. Call 631-852-2663 for more information or send us a note using the form below. Typically included in the internship program: The Community Relations Unit offers students an overview of how a law enforcement agency helps the county’s citizens understand the Sheriff’s Office, while at the same time offers support and assistance to Suffolk County residents with a variety of community programs. The District Court & Unified Courts provide the students with a working knowledge of the processing of inmates at the district court and how all the courts work together. Facility Tours allow interns to tour the Riverhead and Yaphank facilities and get an understanding of the Correction Officers’ responsibilities and duties and to have an understanding of the Suffolk County Correctional Facilities and system. The Marine Bureau provides the students with the knowledge, duties and responsibilities of the SCSO Marine Unit. The Firearms Bureau provides the students with the knowledge of training SCSO officers and other law enforcement agencies including preparation of training schedules and monitoring firearms records. The Civil Bureau shows the students the “Civil Laws” and how the Sheriff’s Office links to all court orders. The Personnel Investigation Bureau has a very important role in the internship, as every intern will learn exactly what procedures are followed to hire law enforcement or professional personnel. The Domestic Violence Unit provides our intern's information and first-hand experience on how important community assistance is to a law enforcement agency. Ride Alongs allow interns to ride along with a Deputy Sheriff to gain knowledge of patrol procedures and enforcement of traffic laws. Sessions Fall Session Application Dates: July 15 - August 15 Starts: Labor Day Week (16 weeks) ​ Spring Session Application Dates: November 15 - December 15 Starts: Third Week of January (16 weeks) ​ Summer Session Application Dates: April 15 - May 15 Starts: the Wednesday after Memorial Day (13 weeks) ​ How to Apply Applications to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Internship Program will only be accepted during the application dates listed above. Once the open period for the respective session arrives, applicants will need to submit the below application to be considered. ​ Items required: Email the following to our Community Relations Office: A current resume A narrative essay no more than two single or double-spaced pages in length that sets forth, at a minimum, the following: Why you are interested in the SCSO Internship Program​ Your motivation and career goals The source of your inspiration for your motivation and career goals The skills that you would bring to SCSO if you were selected as an intern Please note: Failure to provide one or more of the documents listed above before the application deadline will result in lost consideration for the program. The email address to send the information to is william.blomberg@suffolkcountyny.gov ​ ​

Project Lifesaver Project Lifesaver is a rapid-response program that aids victims (and their families) who wander as a result of cognitive impairments, or other afflictions. The program combines technology and specially trained Sheriff’s Deputies to locate individuals who have wandered. Project Lifesaver clients wear a “watch-type” wristband transmitter (worn on the wrist, ankle or as a necklace), which emits a tracking signal. When a caregiver calls the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver line to report that a client has wandered, a search team responds to the wanderer’s area and, while in route, activates the vehicles mobile locator tracking system. A hand-held unit is used to search for clients in areas inaccessible by vehicles.​ In an emergency, caregivers must immediately notify the: Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver Emergency Response Line at 631-852-2791 and dial 911. How to Enroll in Project Lifesaver Enrollment applications can be obtained by calling (631) 852-3003. Your enrollment application must be completed and submitted to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office at 100 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901. Once your application is reviewed, an appointment will be made for a home visit by a Project Lifesaver specialist from the Sheriff’s Office. ​ How to Purchase Project Lifesaver Equipment The purchase of enrollment equipment is coordinated through the Sheriff’s Office once the client’s application is approved. Cost to Enroll The transmitter, transmitter case, transmitter tester, battery and wristband costs $300.00 (approximately), plus shipping & handling. The battery and wristband has to be changed monthly or bi-monthly (depending on transmitter) and a new battery and wristband installed. This costs about $5.00 each month. Monthly Maintenance Monthly and/or yearly battery and wristband purchases may be requested by calling the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office at (631) 852-3003. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is Project Lifesaver? Project Lifesaver is a rapid-response program that aids clients (and their families) who wander as a result of cognitive impairments, or other afflictions. Who sponsors Project Lifesaver? Project Lifesaver is sponsored by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office as well as non-profit organizations who make donations to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office for Project Lifesaver. How does Project Lifesaver work? The program combines technology and specially trained Sheriff’s Deputies to locate individuals who have wandered. Project Lifesaver clients wear a “watch-type” wristband transmitter (worn on the wrist, ankle or as a necklace), which emits a tracking signal. When a caregiver calls the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver line to report that a client has wandered, a search team responds to the wanderer’s area and, while in route, activates the vehicles mobile locator tracking system. A hand-held unit is used to search for clients in areas inaccessible by vehicles. How much does Project Lifesaver cost? There is a one-time cost of approximately $300 (plus tax and shipping) for the transmitter, tester, battery and wristband strap. How long does it take to enroll in Project Lifesaver? Applications can be requested by calling 631-852-3003. A Sheriff’s Deputy will then meet with the potential client/caregiver/family member making certain that the area is safe for the potential client and to assist with the necessary paperwork and instructions. How long does it take for the Project Lifesaver program to begin? Once you have met with a member of the Project Lifesaver Bureau and have the necessary equipment (transmitters take up to 2-4 weeks to ship), the program starts immediately. How is the initial equipment purchased? The purchase of Enrollment Equipment is coordinated through the Sheriff’s Office once the client’s application is approved. How is monthly maintenance equipment purchased? Caregiver purchase requests for batteries and wristbands, for monthly maintenance, can be obtained by calling 631-852-3003, or by email at: lifesaver@suffolkcountyny.gov , or through a registered Project Lifesaver International sponsor, or care facility. What happens if someone wanders? Caregivers must immediately notify the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver emergency response line (631-852-2791), and dial “911.” How long does it take to locate a missing client? Nationally, response times vary, but average under 30 minutes. How frequently should a transmitter battery be changed? Batteries emit a signal every second (24/7) and must be changed monthly. Is the transmitter waterproof? Yes. Clients can shower and swim while wearing the transmitter. Is the client’s transmitting equipment covered by insurance as a medical necessity? Check with your insurance carrier. If necessary, the Sheriff's Office can provide documentation to the insurance carrier that the client in question is enrolled in the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Project Lifesaver Program. What happens if something goes wrong with my equipment? Call the Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver line immediately (631-852-2791). What happens if the transmitter is lost? Call the Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver line immediately (631-852-2791). Are there other Project Lifesaver programs? Project Lifesaver began in the Sheriff’s Office, Chesapeake, Virginia in 1999 and is now in over 1,300 Sheriff and Police agencies across the United States, Canada and Australia. Is there a guarantee that a person wearing a Project Lifesaver transmitter will be located? Client searches involve different variables and incidents are unpredictable. In over 3,000 reported searches, Project Lifesaver agencies have achieved a 100% success rate. The Sheriff’s Office feels Project Lifesaver equipment and established procedures greatly increases the likelihood of “Bringing Your Loved Ones Home” safely.

STOPPED ("Drunk Buggies") Program Did you know that on Long Island, teen drivers with a Junior Class License must drive under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian with certain exceptions? The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office offers the STOPPED Program, a driver safety program for schools.Under the program, an officer will come to your school, teach a drivers safety course Rules on Driving with a Junior License: Except in certain circumstances listed below, if you have a junior license (Class DJ, MJ or DJ/MJ) you can drive in Nassau and Suffolk counties only under the direct supervision of your: - Parent - Guardian - The person authorized by your parent or guardian to be your supervising driver in writing - Driver education teacher or a driving school instructor ​ It is also required that: - the person who supervises your driving be at least age 21 and have a license valid for the vehicle you are driving. - the only passenger in the front seat is your supervising driver. there be no more than one passenger under age 21 unless the passengers are members of your immediate family. You can have more than one passenger under age 21 only if your supervising driver is your licensed parent, guardian, person in a position of "in loco parentis," driver education teacher or driving school instructor. - every passenger wears a seat belt (one seat belt per person). - all children under age four ride in a federally-approved child safety seat. -- if the child is more than 40 pounds in weight, they must use a proper child restraint system such as a booster seat. -- until their 8th birthday, children must use a proper child restraint system. -- children more than four feet nine inches tall are allowed to use a seat belt and shoulder harness. When can I drive without a supervising driver? Daytime exceptions (5 AM to 9 PM) - If you have a junior license (Class DJ, MJ or DJ/MJ), you may drive in Nassau and Suffolk counties between the hours of 5 AM and 9 PM without a supervising driver only directly between your home and - your employment (you must carry appropriate proof of employment) - a state-approved cooperative work-study educational program - an approved program for credit in a post-secondary institution - a state-approved registered evening high school - while engaged in farm employment - an approved driver education course Nighttime exceptions (9 PM to 5 AM) - Between the hours of 9 PM and 5 AM, you may drive in Nassau and Suffolk counties without a supervising driver only directly between your home and - a state-approved cooperative work-study educational program - an approved program for credit in a post-secondary institution - a state-approved registered evening high school - while engaged in farm employment - an approved driver education course What are the penalties for traffic violations as a junior driver? - Your junior permit, license, or privileges will be suspended for 60 days if you are convicted of one serious traffic violation or two other violations that were committed while you held a junior permit or license. - Your junior permit, license, or privileges will be revoked for 60 days if you are convicted of one serious traffic violation or two other violations within the first six months after your permit, license or privileges are restored after a suspension or revocation. - A "serious traffic violation" is normally a violation that carries three or more driver violation points. For more information on the driving laws for Suffolk County, please visit the New York State DMV website. To request this program, please use the Community Programs Request Form.

McGruff the Crime Dog The McGruff program offers children in first and second-grade important personal safety lessons while getting them actively involved in the learning process. Children of all ages are faced with many types of social challenges, and unfortunately, bullying has become a serious issue for many kids. The McGruff Program seeks to give children the social tools they need to recognize bullying behavior, prevent it from occurring and handle it effectively when confronted with a tough situation whether on the playground, the bus, the lunchroom or playing in the neighborhood. The program runs for 3 consecutive weeks: one day per week for 30 minutes. The program is taught by a Suffolk County Sheriff’s Officer and finishes with a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog and certificates for all participants. Please use the Community Program Request Form to request this program. ​ ​

Operation Safe Child ID Cards Operation Safe Child was created in July of 2005 to raise awareness about child safety. Statistics show that 34% of parents in the United States do not know their child’s exact height, weight, and eye color. When a child is reported missing, time can be the biggest factor in finding the child. Possessing up-to-date photographs with detailed information about the child can greatly assist law enforcement when responding to a disappearance. These cards contain the child’s full name, date of birth, gender, height, weight, hair color, eye color, and more. The card is made in less than ten minutes and can be carried in the parent’s wallet or pocketbook. Operation Safe Child ID Cards are offered by the Sheriff’s Office free of charge at community events, libraries, and firehouses across Suffolk County. To arrange for Operation Safe Child ID cards to be offered at your community event, please use the Program Request Form. ​ ​

At-Risk Youth Jail Tour A growing number of Suffolk County`s youth are in danger of falling prey to criminal and gang activity. Young teens especially face peer pressures that often make them act in ways that help them become “accepted” by a group, but they have no idea about the consequences of their behavior. As a result, many young people at an early age begin what may become a painful life of criminal behavior. The goal of the At-Risk Youth Jail Tour is to educate youth about the potential consequences of poor choices. The program stresses education and reality,” said Sheriff Toulon. "By giving kids a realistic view of what lies ahead if they cross that line, we hope that it will leave a strong impact in their minds to stop them from engaging in criminal acts." The program stresses education, communication and accountability. The Suffolk County Sheriff`s Office has launched a new initiative allowing parents to accompany their kids into the facility for a personal jail tour by special appointment ONLY. The tour is designed to be interactive, taking participants through each step of the arrest and intake process as it actually occurs. Participants are processed through the fingerprinting and mug shots area. Participants also gather in the jail`s Chapel area where several inmates volunteer to speak to them about the consequences of making poor choices. The inmate’s “How I Got to This Point In My Life ” talk gives the participants a realistic view of how accountability for one`s actions sometimes means arrest and incarceration. At-risk Youth Jail tours are by appointment ONLY. A parent or legal guardian must accompany their child through the facility. Call the Community Relations Unit for additional information at 631-852-5611. ​ ​

Explorers Program Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Explorers Program The SCSO Explorers Program offers young men and women an introduction into law enforcement or a related career field in the criminal j ustice system. Aimed for youth ages 14-20, our Explorers are taught the importance of higher education, self-discipline, and respect for diversity and human dignity through training, involvement in community service projects, and other Exploring events. To learn more about our Explorers Program or to apply to become an SCSO Explorer, please email Sergeant Michael Davis at michael.davis@suffolkcountyny.gov. Application Car Stop Scenerios Play Video