The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office released its 2024 annual report, detailing a year of significant changes, community outreach, and law enforcement initiatives under Sheriff Timothy Thompson Jr. The report underscores the department’s commitment to public safety while highlighting challenges such as staffing shortages and concerns over bail reform.
According to the report, the Sheriff’s Office prioritized expanding community engagement, launching an Honor Guard and a Community Outreach & Recruitment Team. Public events such as an open house, “Coffee with Your Sheriff’s Office,” and boater safety classes helped bridge connections with residents. Additionally, the office hosted safety meetings for church and daycare facility leaders and led active shooter training in local schools.
Efforts to enhance traffic and boater safety also took center stage in 2024. A Traffic Safety Initiative was enacted over the summer, and additional staffing was allocated to the Marine Patrol Unit. These efforts resulted in a rise in enforcement actions and improved safety measures on both roads and waterways.
Staffing remained a persistent issue, particularly in the Corrections and Patrol Divisions, where vacant positions were difficult to fill. While some progress was made, the report noted a historically low applicant pool and increased losses due to retirements and departures to other agencies.
Concerns over bail reform continued into 2024, with Sheriff Thompson expressing apprehension about its impact on local and statewide jail populations. The report observed a shift toward a higher number of sentenced individuals in county jails, a trend attributed to changes in pre-trial detention policies.
Illegal firearms also emerged as a growing issue in Seneca County, with law enforcement seeing an uptick in illegal gun sales and the presence of ghost guns. A major case involving 426 3D-printed Glock switches underscored the challenges in combating firearm-related crimes.
Despite these challenges, the Sheriff’s Office achieved several milestones in 2024, including enhancements to radio communications, the rollout of a computerized evidence management system, and expanded training opportunities for officers. The department also secured grant funding to acquire new patrol and investigative equipment at no cost to taxpayers.
The report concluded with a tribute to fallen law enforcement officers and a commitment to continuing the department’s mission of serving and protecting Seneca County. Sheriff Thompson expressed gratitude to the community and the Board of Supervisors for their support, pledging continued efforts to strengthen public safety initiatives in the years ahead.
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