BATH – A year-long study of the Steuben County Sheriff’s
Department already has resulted in systemic changes to make the department more
efficient and responsive. The study, launched in February is based on
implementing the department’s core values of professionalism, integrity,
leadership and service, county Sheriff Jim Allard said. So far, the study under
county Undersheriff John McNelis, has led to an overhaul of the chain of
command for patrol, special services and investigative operations. The
reorganization replaces the previous command structure of five sergeants, two
corporals and five investigators reporting to only one captain, and has
resulted in a swifter response to potentially dangerous issues, Allard said.
“Having one conduit (the captain) impaired communication and was ineffective,”
Allard said. The new line-up is based on one lieutenant now supervising the
four road patrol sergeants who oversee deputies’ assignments. Another
lieutenant oversees the five investigators and the third lieutenant oversees
the special services division which is comprised of the Court Security, Civil
and Navigation divisions. All three lieutenants report to Allard or McNelis.
Supervisors now are on-call on a rotating basis, meaning the decision-maker
gets real-time information from the scene of an emergency situation, Allard
said. Lieutenants and sergeants also meet weekly with the undersheriff or
sheriff to keep up with complex matters, which can include investigations, road
patrols, special and civil services, the courts, school resource officers and
navigation. The department also now is engaged in “customer satisfaction,” he
said. “On average we have five opportunities in an adult’s lifetime to affect
the public’s perception,” he said. “We tell our road deputies we count stops,
not how many tickets they issue. If it’s minor warn the drivers, give them a
chance to fix it. If the drivers don’t fix it, well then, it’s up to the
discretion of the judicial system.” The overhaul has resulted in improved
communications within the department and with the public. “Morale is better and
we’re establishing a better credibility,” Allard said. “We are focused on
keeping the peace and the public’s safety.” McNelis’ study is expected to be
completed by the end of the year and looks to include recommendations on
emergency response throughout the 1,400-square mile county. “That’s a lot of
miles to cover,” Allard said. “We are committed to providing our very best, but
believe we can do better.”
