New York, NY – The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office serves a population of over 1.5 million. It provides a wide range of protections, innovative programs designed for the positive development of inmates, and works with law enforcement and community groups throughout the country to improve safety in their jails and neighborhoods.
They patrol roadways for safety, operate correctional facilities, patrol and investigate crimes in particular areas, have an Emergency Management Section, and operate a Domestic Violence Bureau. These are only a few of the responsibilities and ways they give their all.
LaborPress was able to learn much more about the Office from Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr.: how he has achieved what he has over his many years of service, how he developed and shaped the Office as it is today, and what has inspired him as he brought the Office successfully to where it is today. His words carry even more weight, as he is now serving his second term as Suffolk’s highest-ranking law enforcement official.
LP: You have been in the field of law enforcement for 41 years. What led you to choose that path, initially? Did you have a mentor or family member that drew you to it, or inspired you?
ET: I was inspired to pursue law enforcement by my father, who was a Deputy Warden at Rikers Island. Watching his dedication to public service and his work with the community left a lasting impression on me. From a young age, I understood the importance of giving back and creating a positive impact, and I saw law enforcement as a way to do that. Over the years, I’ve carried those lessons with me, always striving to serve and protect while making meaningful contributions to the community.
LP: Can you give our readers a short summary of your rise to your position today? What do you believe has made you stand out, and what leadership qualities do you bring to your work?
ET: I began my career with the New York City Department of Correction, where I served for 25 years, culminating as Deputy Commissioner of Operations. In 2018, I became Suffolk County’s first African American Sheriff, a role I proudly serve in today. Throughout my career, my focus has been on innovation, collaboration, and leadership. I believe what sets me apart is my ability to see challenges as opportunities for growth and progress. As a three-time cancer survivor, I understand how important it is for a leader to have empathy and to support their staff and the community they serve.
LP: Over the years, you have implemented many successful approaches to difficult issues. Can you give one or two examples of how this has worked?
ET: Two of the most successful approaches I’ve implemented are the Corrections Intelligence Center (CIC) and the Sheriff’s Anti-Trafficking Initiative (SATI), both the first of their kind. The CIC is a jail intelligence network that shares trends, contraband methods, and gang activity across agencies, helping to solve cases like a catalytic converter theft ring and preventing drug smuggling in jails. SATI identifies trafficking victims, connects them with recovery services, and has supported major investigations such as the Gilgo Beach Task Force. Both programs leverage innovative strategies to enhance public safety and address complex issues. They also highlight how collaboration and intelligence can create a lasting impact on law enforcement and the community. And best of all, both of these intelligence-based units were created utilizing already available resources – incurring no additional cost to the Sheriff’s Office or residents of Suffolk County.
LP: You have said that you work against the grain. Can you elaborate on this? How has that approach served you and what gives you the strength to continue your drive to be different?
Working against the grain means challenging outdated practices and finding new ways to address complex problems. For instance, I’ve prioritized rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals, even when it wasn’t a popular approach. This mindset has led to programs that reduce recidivism and build stronger communities. Seeing the tangible impact of these efforts is a reminder that real change requires courage and persistence. I’m driven by the belief that we must innovate to truly serve the public.
LP: You have said you “do what you know is right”, which, in your profession, can’t be easy. Where did you learn those values? Were you raised with them, or did you simply develop the intuition that led to action from your many years of service?
ET: My values were instilled in me by my family, particularly my parents, who showed me the importance of integrity and service. Over the years, my experiences in law enforcement have reinforced these principles. Facing challenges like cancer and personal loss has taught me to lead with compassion and strength. I’ve learned that doing what’s right often means making tough decisions, but it’s the only path to meaningful progress. These values guide my work every day.
LP: You value the power of community input in government. What does that look like, in terms of programs, reaching out, and coming together?
ET: Community input is essential for creating effective government and I’ve made it a priority to engage directly with the public to ensure they have a seat a table. Our Community Advisory Board provides a platform for open dialogue, helping to address concerns and create collaborative solutions. Recently, we’ve expanded this effort by partnering with the District Attorney’s Office and the Suffolk County Police Department to form a new Law Enforcement Community Advisory Board, further strengthening our collective outreach. We also host numerous community events throughout the year, such as National Night Out, back-to-school supply giveaways, free sports clinics, and our annual Open House and Family Day. These events provide opportunities for face-to-face interactions with law enforcement, helping to break down barriers and build trust. It’s important for us to not only protect and serve but also to listen, understand, and respond to the needs of our community.
LP: What are some of your victories and accomplishments that you are most proud of?
It’s difficult to pick just one accomplishment, but I’m most proud of initiatives that directly improve public safety and strengthen our community. One program that stands out is the Student Ambassador Program, which connects young people with law enforcement and provides them the opportunity to develop leadership skills and become advocates for positive change. This program has been especially rewarding as we’ve seen students grow into responsible leaders who understand the value of public service. When you walk into my Yaphank office, the first thing you’ll see is my quote, “I want to get to the kids before they get to me” It serves as a reminder that crime prevention starts with engaging with our young people. These efforts are about more than just responding to crime—they’re about preventing it.
Another accomplishment I am very proud of is the creation of our full-time Wellness Unit in late 2022. Traditionally, members of law enforcement don’t always ask for help when in need, afraid it could be perceived as weakness. This is why a balanced in-house wellness program ensures officers have a reliable, trustworthy way to get peer support. Our Wellness Unit is dedicated not only to the health and well-being of all sworn employees but also our professional staff. The unit offers a range of support services, including mental health resources, in-person and virtual wellness programs, and preventive care. The Wellness Unit also has a trained peer support team that assists staff in need as well as a smartphone app with 24/7 services for Officers, staff and their families. In 2023, we expanded the unit and welcomed Therapy K-9, Luna, who provides comfort and support to staff, enhancing overall well-being and resilience.
LP: What are some of the innovative training methods utilized by the Office?
ET: In addition to implementing state-of-the-art trainings, we have put an emphasis on in-service training, helping our officers stay on top of trends, learn new techniques and keep updated on rules and regulations. I am proud that we offer more diverse and extensive training, in both our recruit academy and continuing education, than ever before. We also incorporate trainings that emphasize mental health and wellness to support our officers’ overall well-being. These methods ensure that our team remains prepared and effective in their duties.
LP: Can you share a brief summary of the inmate rehabilitation currently being conducted?
ET: Incarcerated individual rehabilitation at our facilities focuses on education, vocational training, and mental health support to address the root causes of criminal behavior. The Sheriff’s Transition and Reentry Team (START) Resource Center, which opened in February 2020, plays a key role in this process. The center is staffed by five Correction Officers—three Correctional Counselors and two Community Correction Officers—who assess incarcerated individuals upon arrival to determine their needs, including substance use treatment, education, job assistance, housing, and other social services. These needs are addressed during incarceration, and upon discharge, individuals are referred to community service providers for continued support. The Resource Center remains available after release to provide ongoing assistance, helping to reduce recidivism and support long-term success. The START Resource Center has become a national model for reentry programming, with the recidivism rate of those participating averaging at around 17%. Meanwhile, the New York State recidivism rate is more than 40% and nationally it is nearly 70%.
Additionally, our Learning Resource Center offers incarcerated individuals the opportunity to further their education, providing GED preparation and access to various courses to help them build new skills. We are often implementing new vocational programs, many which, upon completion, offer a certificate that can aid with future job placement. When appropriate, inmates are offered housing programs such as the Veteran’s Program, 55+ Program and, the Sheriff’s Addiction Treatment Program which each offer specialized support and programming. We continue to introduce various programs available to certain populations– from therapeutic memoir writing to CrossFit classes, which we have found very successful in helping incarcerated individuals.
Through tailored programs such as START and the Sheriff’s Addiction Treatment Program, we can offer innovative strategies using existing resources with no extra cost to the taxpayers. And these efforts have been proven to help prevent recidivism by educating and empowering these individuals while supporting their reintegration into society.
LP: What do you believe has made your men and women stand out in their day-to-day duties?
ET: Our officers stand out because of their unwavering commitment to not only keeping the community safe but also offering support and resources to those in need. Inside the jail, we offer a variety of programs like the Learning Resource Center, which provides inmates with educational opportunities and job readiness training, helping them prepare for successful reintegration. Additionally, our Sheriff’s Addiction Treatment Program supports incarcerated individuals battling substance use, offering counseling and recovery resources to guide them toward a healthier future. We have the Officers in our START Resource Center who are diligent in their work to assist men and women reentering our communities – helping them with job placement, housing, identification and more. Our Domestic Violence Bureau, staffed by dedicated deputies, works tirelessly to provide support and resources to victims, ensuring their safety and helping them navigate the legal system. Our newly formed Wellness Unit supports Sheriff’s Office staff dealing with personal or job-related issues and offers ways for all employees to stay healthy and happy. Meanwhile, our Community Relations Unit is out in the community, building relationships, hosting outreach programs, and fostering trust between law enforcement and the public. It’s their compassion, proactive approach, and commitment to service that truly make them stand out.
