Suffolk County Sheriff DeMarco to Lead Interagency Law Enforcement Council

On June 18, Suffolk County Sheriff Vincent DeMarco was named to lead the Suffolk County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) by County Executive Steven Bellone. The CJCC fosters cooperation among law enforcement agencies throughout the county and local government.

As its new Chair, DeMarco will play a primary role in improving criminal justice policy and reducing crime and inmate recidivism in Suffolk County. Although the CJCC will not meet again until September, the Sheriff has already begun the process of reaching out to individual members to solicit comments and suggestions. 

“I want to thank County Executive Steve Bellone,” said Sheriff DeMarco, “for his trust and confidence in me to lead the County’s CJCC.  As the county wrestles with fiscal challenges, I strongly believe we can realize savings for the County’s taxpayers through coordinated crime reduction strategies, enhancements to community corrections and by pursuing more federal and state grant opportunities. I look forward to working closely with the members of the CJCC to realize these goals.”

The appointment comes at a time of heightened focus on issues related to crime reduction strategies and prisoner reentry.  On July 8, 2014, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the formation of the New York State Council on Community Re-Entry and Reintegration, with similar goals. 

Sheriff DeMarco has been at the forefront of a national trend towards developing effective inmate rehabilitation programs and coordinating community-based services for individuals reentering our communities after spending time in jail.  Due in part to these efforts, there has been a significant decrease in the county jail population since he first took office.  In 2005, the daily jail population averaged close to 2000 inmates, and now that figure is less than 1500.