Establishes qualifications to hold the office of sheriff or undersheriff

2 Co-sponsors

• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• George Winner

Title of bill

An act to amend the county law, in relation to qualifications to hold the office of sheriff or undersheriff

Purpose

To enhance the professionalism and maintain the dignity of the Office of Sheriff.

Summary of provisions

The County Law is amended by adding a new section 650-a.

Justification

In order to enhance the professionalism and maintain the dignity of the Office of Sheriff, this legislation would establish standards as a prerequisite to being elected and holding the Office of Sheriff as well as Undersheriff. The Sheriffs' Qualification bill would demonstrate to the public that professional law enforcement leaders with character and ability occupy the Office of Sheriff.

There are two minimum standards for the Office of Sheriff contained in this bill. The first requirement is a criminal history check, whereas no person with a conviction for a felony, a fraud, official misconduct, perjury or making a false statement is eligible to be elected to the Office of Sheriff or undertake the oath of Undersheriff. A person would be required to be fingerprinted, with prints submitted to both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. The second standard is that a person must also attend a basic training course for new Sheriffs to be sponsored by the New York State Sheriffs' Association. This program consists of 40 hours of training and must be completed prior to assuming office. This training would be provided after the election for the office of Sheriff; however, in the event that a person is appointed by the Governor or a county judge to the office, the training will be provided as soon as practicable after the appointment.

Legislative history

2007-08: S.4082-A/A.8398 2005-06: S.4160/A.8162; some amendments have been made to the 2007 bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law and shall apply to all persons to be elected or appointed to the office of sheriff or undersheriff.