Cold Spring, NY, August 24, 2009 – Another case of incompetence in the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department recently involved a “lost” teenager who was actually locked up in the County jail. “This latest problem is another sad example of why we need professional, experienced and proven leadership in that law enforcement agency,” stated Democratic candidate for sheriff, Kevin McConville.
The current leadership of the Department approved a costly and unnecessary search by more than 100 volunteers, professionals, cars and a helicopter -- all at taxpayer expense. And all was wasted because the “lost” teenager was in the county jail.
What is the solution? Professionals believe that proper training and continuing oversight of law enforcement policies and practices are absolutely essential. First, though, it is essential to have a department sheriff who has experienced all the various stages of policing, from being a cop on the beat to chief of a large police agency.
“I’m running for sheriff with the commitment that effective training will be required for all deputies, and that oversight will be thoroughly planned and applied,” Kevin McConville stated. “We should never be in the position of not knowing who our detainees are and what their needs may be.”
There are specified procedures that should be followed when a defendant is remanded to the custody of the Putnam County Correctional Facility. First, appropriate screening procedures must be followed. New York State’s Commission on Corrections (SCOC) mandates a screening process, called a risk/medical assessment.
Such an assessment probably would have determined that the individual is developmentally challenged, which would require an examination by a medical professional. Thus, the needless costly search would have been stopped. The parents could have been notified and helpful in his treatment.
“If you choose to elect me as your sheriff, I commit to you that effective training will be a regular, continuing procedure,” said McConville. “Why do I believe this can be achieved in Putnam within the current budget?” McConville asked rhetorically. “Because, before I retired in January, I did these things routinely as Chief of the MTA Police Department, which has a staff of 768. And we can do them in Putnam County; all we need is a professional in the top job. I am confident I can handle that job, because as I have stated to everyone, ‘Bottom line, I’m a cop.’
“Maybe that’s why I’ve been endorsed over the incumbent by the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police…and also unanimously endorsed over the incumbent by the AFL-CIO Central Labor Body of Westchester and Putnam Counties.”
McConville concluded, “Together, we can build a ‘Safe and Secure Putnam.’”
For more information on Kevin McConville’s candidacy, visit www.kevinmcconville.com.
About Kevin McConville
Kevin McConville has 29 years of experience in law enforcement. He moved through the ranks rising from police officer to detective to captain and was appointed Chief of the MTA Police in 2005. McConville has served on the board of governors of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police and is active as a retired chief. He holds a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters degree in Public Administration from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. Kevin is a lifelong resident of Putnam County and resides with his family in Cold Spring, NY.
