72 Recruits Join Suffolk Sheriff’s Ranks

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr.’s aggressive push to fill the ranks of the county’s correction system delivered another class, as 72 new correction officer recruits were sworn in at the Yaphank Correctional Facility.

The class, 62 men and 10 women, will enter a 16-week academy covering direct supervision, de-escalation, report writing, defensive tactics, firearms and other skills. Eight recruits bring military or previous law-enforcement experience, including service with the NYPD and New York City Department of Correction.

“We welcome this class of 72 to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and look forward to seeing them grow as they are trained,” Toulon said. “A correction officer is a key position in upholding the safety of our communities and with that comes great responsibility.”

The recruits are expected to join a force of more than 850 correction officers.

The swearing-in comes as Toulon continues an unusually visible recruitment blitz to build a pipeline of new officers.

The Sheriff’s Office has staged corrections career fairs drawing hundreds of potential applicants, offered “Behind the Badge” events where prospects can question deputies and correction officers and promoted orientation seminars explaining the hiring process.

The office has also taken its recruiting campaign into communities through partnerships with nonprofits and churches, targeted marketing and social-media outreach.

Suffolk County previously sought outside help developing digital campaigns aimed at traditionally underrepresented populations, including Spanish-language marketing materials.

At an August career fair in Yaphank, hundreds turned out as officials promoted job stability, benefits and opportunities for advancement. The department had already sworn in 35 correction officer recruits in March, adding to the pace of hiring.

The push is not over.

Registration for Suffolk County’s next correction officer civil service examination remains open through September 16th. Applicants can find information through the Sheriff’s Office recruitment website: www.suffolksheriff.com.