Did someone tell you to pay them with a gift card? It's a scam. The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office has become aware of scams involving gift cards. One such scam involved a caller who said he was from the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office and there was an arrest warrant issued for the victim. This warrant could be satisfied by paying over the phone with retail gift cards. The caller ID information even showed the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office phone number. This is a scam- the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office will never request that you satisfy a fine or warrant over the phone with a retail gift card. Likewise, the IRS, local government entities, and the federal government will not request payment by gift card either. if you receive a call like this, hang up and contact the agency back using a known number or email, not one provided by the caller. For more information, visit https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/09/did-someone-tell-you-pay-gift-cards-its-scam or https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/paying-scammers-gift-cards. Paying With Gift Cards Scam Did someone tell you to pay them with a gift card? It's a scam. The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office has become aware of scams involving gift cards. One such scam involved a caller who said he was from the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office and there was an arrest warrant issued for the victim. This warrant could be satisfied by paying over the phone with retail gift cards. The caller ID information even showed the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office phone number. This is a scam- the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office will never request that you satisfy a fine or warrant over the phone with a retail gift card. Likewise, the IRS, local government entities, and the federal government will not request payment by gift card either. if you receive a call like this, hang up and contact the agency back using a known number or email, not one provided by the caller. For more information, visit https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/09/did-someone-tell-you-pay-gift-cards-its-scam or https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/paying-scammers-gift-cards.

Kelly Mazzotta Kelly Mazzotta was hired in 2018 by Sheriff Toulon to assist in the Public Relations Office with web designing, graphic design, and event planning. She also served as the Sheriff's Office Liaison in their partnership with the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. In 2020, her roles and responsibilities shifted and she started assisting the Executive Staff with strategic initiatives and special event planning, including the annual Executive Leadership and Gang Conferences. Kelly was promoted in 2022 to serve as Assistant to the Sheriff. She continues to be responsible for Sheriff Toulon's strategic initiatives and to serve as the liaison with the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. She also serves as the Sheriff's Foundation Liaison. Kelly has worked in the design industry for more than 10 years and has experience in graphic design, 3D design, CAD, and web design. Prior to joining the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office, she worked as a lead designer for a custom cabinetry firm and was responsible for managing her client projects as well as working in their corporate headquarters as a design consultant aiding in the design and implementation of all U.S. showrooms.

The interfaith council is a faith-based group that can provide resources and services to current and formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. Sheriff's Interfaith Council Mission To be a resource of faith-based organizations that can provide resources and services to current and formerly incarcerated individuals and their families, and the Sheriff's Office staff. To join the Sheriff's Interfaith Council, please contact the Council Chair, Pastor Kara Bochino at kara@axisny.org .

Rabbi Mendy Goldberg Chaplain Rabbi Mendy Goldberg has served as rabbi and spiritual leader on the East End of Long Island since 2002. He is the clergy for all the local hospitals, nursing homes and for anyone who may seek counsel and help. He is part of the Chabad Lubavitch organization, the largest network of rabbis serving in over 100 countries and in every state, with over 30 centers in Long Island. Rabbi Mendy Goldberg grew up in Brooklyn NY and traveled throughout the states and many countries as far as Australia, serving as an intern rabbi. He was ordained and received his BA in rabbinic studies and philosophy from the Rabbinical College of America and from Central Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim Lubavitz. He now lives in Coram with his wife and family, attending to the needs of the Suffolk county communities. Rabbi Goldberg enjoys helping people grow in their spiritual consciousness, through the many classes, lectures, persona encounters, and podcasts he gives, thus facilitating the spiritual and mental growth for every person regardless of affiliation at their level.

A growing number of Suffolk County`s youth are in danger of falling prey to criminal and gang activity. Young teens especially face peer pressures that often make them act in ways that help them become “accepted” by a group, but they have no idea about the consequences of their behavior. As a result, many young people at an early age begin what may become a painful life of criminal behavior. The goal of the At-Risk Youth Jail Tour is to educate youth about the potential consequences of poor choices. The program stresses education and reality,” said Sheriff Toulon. "By giving kids a realistic view of what lies ahead if they cross that line, we hope that it will leave a strong impact in their minds to stop them from engaging in criminal acts." The program stresses education, communication and accountability. The Suffolk County Sheriff`s Office has launched a new initiative allowing parents to accompany their kids into the facility for a personal jail tour by special appointment ONLY. The tour is designed to be interactive, taking participants through each step of the arrest and intake process as it actually occurs. Participants are processed through the fingerprinting and mug shots area. Participants also gather in the jail`s Chapel area where several inmates volunteer to speak to them about the consequences of making poor choices. The inmate’s “How I Got to This Point In My Life ” talk gives the participants a realistic view of how accountability for one`s actions sometimes means arrest and incarceration. At-risk Youth Jail tours are by appointment ONLY. A parent or legal guardian must accompany their child through the facility. Call the Community Relations Unit for additional information at 631-852-5611. At-Risk Youth Jail Tour A growing number of Suffolk County`s youth are in danger of falling prey to criminal and gang activity. Young teens especially face peer pressures that often make them act in ways that help them become “accepted” by a group, but they have no idea about the consequences of their behavior. As a result, many young people at an early age begin what may become a painful life of criminal behavior. The goal of the At-Risk Youth Jail Tour is to educate youth about the potential consequences of poor choices. The program stresses education and reality,” said Sheriff Toulon. "By giving kids a realistic view of what lies ahead if they cross that line, we hope that it will leave a strong impact in their minds to stop them from engaging in criminal acts." The program stresses education, communication and accountability. The Suffolk County Sheriff`s Office has launched a new initiative allowing parents to accompany their kids into the facility for a personal jail tour by special appointment ONLY. The tour is designed to be interactive, taking participants through each step of the arrest and intake process as it actually occurs. Participants are processed through the fingerprinting and mug shots area. Participants also gather in the jail`s Chapel area where several inmates volunteer to speak to them about the consequences of making poor choices. The inmate’s “How I Got to This Point In My Life ” talk gives the participants a realistic view of how accountability for one`s actions sometimes means arrest and incarceration. At-risk Youth Jail tours are by appointment ONLY. A parent or legal guardian must accompany their child through the facility. Call the Community Relations Unit for additional information at 631-852-5611.

In December of 2017, then Sheriff-Elect Errol Toulon, Jr. attended a gala in New York City for the Sandy Hook Promise Organization. There he met with Mark Barden, one of the founders of Sandy Hook Promise and the father of Daniel, one of the young children killed in Sandy Hook Elementary School. Sheriff Toulon was so moved by this organization, that out of something tragic, built a school safety program which empowers students, teachers, and the community to become empowered bystanders. Upon taking office in January 2018, his first priority was to partner with Sandy Hook Promise to bring their programming to all Suffolk County schools. Start With Hello, which is geared for students in grades K-12, teaches children, teens and young adults how to be more socially inclusive and connected to one another. ​ Social isolation is the feeling of being left out, lonely and treated like you are invisible. At every school and in every community there are children who feel like they have no friends and quietly suffer through each day especially at lunchtime and other moments where friends gather together. Young people who are isolated can become a victim of bullying, violence and/or depression. As a result, many people pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development and/or choose to hurt themselves or others. ​ Sandy Hook Promise.jpg Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon would like to remember all the victims lost on December 14, 2012 in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Sheriff Toulon looks back on that day and why he is passionate about making sure it doesn't happen again. Start with Hello teaches students, educators, parents and other community leaders to make sure that no one eats alone. This simple action instills the power and reward of social inclusion – that when you see someone alone at lunch (or across any other experience), say hello, introduce yourself, ask them to join you. Sandy Hook Promise "Start With Hello" In December of 2017, then Sheriff-Elect Errol Toulon, Jr. attended a gala in New York City for the Sandy Hook Promise Organization. There he met with Mark Barden, one of the founders of Sandy Hook Promise and the father of Daniel, one of the young children killed in Sandy Hook Elementary School. Sheriff Toulon was so moved by this organization, that out of something tragic, built a school safety program which empowers students, teachers, and the community to become empowered bystanders. Upon taking office in January 2018, his first priority was to partner with Sandy Hook Promise to bring their programming to all Suffolk County schools. Start With Hello, which is geared for students in grades K-12, teaches children, teens and young adults how to be more socially inclusive and connected to one another. Social isolation is the feeling of being left out, lonely and treated like you are invisible. At every school and in every community there are children who feel like they have no friends and quietly suffer through each day especially at lunchtime and other moments where friends gather together. Young people who are isolated can become a victim of bullying, violence and/or depression. As a result, many people pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development and/or choose to hurt themselves or others. Sandy Hook Promise.jpg Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon would like to remember all the victims lost on December 14, 2012 in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Sheriff Toulon looks back on that day and why he is passionate about making sure it doesn't happen again. Start with Hello teaches students, educators, parents and other community leaders to make sure that no one eats alone. This simple action instills the power and reward of social inclusion – that when you see someone alone at lunch (or across any other experience), say hello, introduce yourself, ask them to join you. Know the Signs People who are at-risk of hurting themselves or others often show signs and signals before an act of violence takes place. When you don’t know what to look for, it can be easy to miss signs, or dismiss them as unimportant, sometimes with tragic consequences. It’s important to know that one warning sign on its own does not mean a person is planning an act of violence. But when many connected or cumulative signs are observed over a period of time, it could mean that the person is heading down a pathway towards violence or self-harm. By knowing the signs, you have the power to intervene and get help for that person. Your actions can save lives. Start With Hello educates students on how to be more socially inclusive to prevent feelings of social isolation, feelings of being left out or unnoticed, further preventing the risk of school violence. Request a Presentation The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office has 8 officers specially trained to present this presentation. They are available to meet with school faculty prior to showing the presentation to students to answer any questions. They meet with students grades K-12 to show the presentation. In September of 2019, the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office will start presenting this program. For more information on the Sandy Hook Promise "Start With Hello" Program or to book a presentation, please fill out the contact form below and someone will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

The McGruff program offers children in first and second-grade important personal safety lessons while getting them actively involved in the learning process. Children of all ages are faced with many types of social challenges, and unfortunately, bullying has become a serious issue for many kids. The McGruff Program seeks to give children the social tools they need to recognize bullying behavior, prevent it from occurring and handle it effectively when confronted with a tough situation whether on the playground, the bus, the lunchroom or playing in the neighborhood. The program runs for 3 consecutive weeks: one day per week for 30 minutes. The program is taught by a Suffolk County Sheriff’s Officer and finishes with a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog and certificates for all participants. Please use the Community Program Request Form to request this program. McGruff the Crime Dog The McGruff program offers children in first and second-grade important personal safety lessons while getting them actively involved in the learning process. Children of all ages are faced with many types of social challenges, and unfortunately, bullying has become a serious issue for many kids. The McGruff Program seeks to give children the social tools they need to recognize bullying behavior, prevent it from occurring and handle it effectively when confronted with a tough situation whether on the playground, the bus, the lunchroom or playing in the neighborhood. The program runs for 3 consecutive weeks: one day per week for 30 minutes. The program is taught by a Suffolk County Sheriff’s Officer and finishes with a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog and certificates for all participants. Please use the Community Program Request Form to request this program.

The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office would like to take this opportunity to warn the public regarding a new identity theft scam involving Amazon. Please take a look at the attached photo. People have been receiving these letters by both regular mail and e-mail, indicating that a hold has been placed on their account and all pending orders until such time as billing information can be verified. Unsuspecting people will tap on the link, which directs you to a website that looks like it's Amazon. In reality, it's a data mining site that steals your identity in order to secure mail order merchandise under your name and bank account. Don't fall for this! If you have questions or real concerns about your Amazon account, contact Amazon directly through known and trusted links, and not through links provided in e-mails or text messages. For more information from Amazon, visit https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G4YFYCCNUSENA23B Amazon Scam The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office would like to take this opportunity to warn the public regarding a new identity theft scam involving Amazon. Please take a look at the attached photo. People have been receiving these letters by both regular mail and e-mail, indicating that a hold has been placed on their account and all pending orders until such time as billing information can be verified. Unsuspecting people will tap on the link, which directs you to a website that looks like it's Amazon. In reality, it's a data mining site that steals your identity in order to secure mail order merchandise under your name and bank account. Don't fall for this! If you have questions or real concerns about your Amazon account, contact Amazon directly through known and trusted links, and not through links provided in e-mails or text messages. For more information from Amazon, visit https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G4YFYCCNUSENA23B

This is a phishing scam that has been occurring recently. People have been receiving a text message stating that there is a package that is waiting for them and to click the link to arrange delivery. While this sounds innocent, there is no package and the link directs the user to a page that tricks him/her into giving personal information. A good rule of thumb is that when in doubt, contact the company using a phone number or email that you know is legit. Do not use the information in the text message. Some users report this scam to be happening as students return to college. The text says that a package has been waiting for them since they abruptly left last spring. Remember, if you get an unexpected text message about a package, don’t click on any links. To report fishing scams, forward it to SPAM (7726), and then report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. Waiting Package Scam This is a phishing scam that has been occurring recently. People have been receiving a text message stating that there is a package that is waiting for them and to click the link to arrange delivery. While this sounds innocent, there is no package and the link directs the user to a page that tricks him/her into giving personal information. A good rule of thumb is that when in doubt, contact the company using a phone number or email that you know is legit. Do not use the information in the text message. Some users report this scam to be happening as students return to college. The text says that a package has been waiting for them since they abruptly left last spring. Remember, if you get an unexpected text message about a package, don’t click on any links. To report fishing scams, forward it to SPAM (7726), and then report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.

The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office recognized the need for a proactive approach in gang prevention here in Suffolk County. ​ The G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program is an evidence-based curriculum offered in many states throughout the nation. The classroom curriculum is taught by Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sheriffs and Correction Officers who received specialized training to present to elementary and middle school students. Prevention as its primary objective, the program aims to prevent bullying, youth crime, violence, drug use, and gang involvement while promoting a positive relationship among law enforcement, families, and our youth. G.R.E.A.T. lessons focus on life skills designed to help students avoid using delinquent behavior and violence to solve problems, and further helps them make positive choices in life. Gang Resistance & Education (GREAT) Program The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office recognized the need for a proactive approach in gang prevention here in Suffolk County. The G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program is an evidence-based curriculum offered in many states throughout the nation. The classroom curriculum is taught by Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sheriffs and Correction Officers who received specialized training to present to elementary and middle school students. Prevention as its primary objective, the program aims to prevent bullying, youth crime, violence, drug use, and gang involvement while promoting a positive relationship among law enforcement, families, and our youth. G.R.E.A.T. lessons focus on life skills designed to help students avoid using delinquent behavior and violence to solve problems, and further helps them make positive choices in life. There are four components to the G.R.E.A.T. program: a 13-session middle school curriculum, a 6- session elementary school curriculum, a summer program, and families training. G.R.E.A.T. Middle School Component: The G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum is a skills-based curriculum designed to produce knowledge, attitudinal and behavioral changes through the use of facilitative teaching, positive behavior rehearsals, cooperative and interactive learning techniques, and extended teacher activities. The curriculum is integrated with the National Learning English Language Arts Standards and National Health Standards and is based on effective research practices. Program Structure: The G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum was designed for middle school entry-level students in 6th or 7th grade. It is taught in the classroom by specially trained, uniformed law enforcement officers. The curriculum can be used in conjunction with other prevention programs that encourage positive relationships among the community, parents, schools, and law enforcement. The Lessons: The G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum consists of thirteen (13), 30 to 45-minute lessons designed to be taught in sequential order. Relationship Among Gangs, Violence, Drugs, and Crime What's the Real Deal? Message Analysis Facts and Fiction About Gangs and Violence It's About Us Community; Roles and Responsibilities; What You Can Do About Gangs Where Do We Go From Here? Setting Realistic and Achievable Goals Decisions, Decisions, Decisions: The G.R.E.A.T. Decision-Making Model The Impact of Decisions on Goals The Decision-Making Practice Do You Hear What I Am Saying? Effective Communication Verbal vs. Nonverbal Walk in Someone Else's Shoes: Active Listening Identification of Different Emotions Empathy for Others Say It Like You Mean It: Body Language Tone of Voice Refusal-Skills Practice Getting Along Without Going Along: Influences and Peer Pressure Refusal-Skills Practice Keeping Your Cool: G.R.E.A.T. Anger-Management Tips Practice Cooling Off Keeping It Together: Recognizing Anger in Others Tips for Calming Others Working It Out: Consequences for Fighting G.R.E.A.T. Tips for Conflict Resolution: Conflict Resolution Practice Where to Go for Help Looking Back: Program Review "Making My School a G.R.E.A.T. Place" Project Review The G.R.E.A.T. Elementary School Component The G.R.E.A.T. elementary curriculum is a skills-based curriculum designed as a precursor to the middle school curriculum. This program establishes the foundation that prepares children for the intensified content and cooperation exercises taught in the middle school curriculum while developing a positive bond between law enforcement and youth. Reaching children at an earlier stage of development allows for a better transition into the middle school curriculum. The elementary curriculum is integrated with the National Learning English Language Arts Standards and National Health Standards and is based on effective research practices. Program Structure: The G.R.E.A.T. elementary curriculum was designed for 4th and 5th-grade students. Children who have aggressive behavior in the elementary school years are more likely to display antisocial and violent behavior as adolescents and young adults. By offering prevention education to students in elementary and middle school, it is believed that such programs have a better chance of affecting the developmental course of the problem behavior. The Lessons: The G.R.E.A.T. elementary curriculum consists of six 30 to 45-minute lessons designed to be taught in a sequence. Each lesson is accompanied by a parent letter that the student takes home explaining the lesson and encouraging parent/student interaction. G.R.E.A.T. Beginnings Program Introduction Ground Rules Bullying, Victim, and Bystander To-Do or Not to Do Decisions and Outcomes Identifying Adults When We Need Help Loud and Clear Clear Messages Practicing Different Ways of Communicating Staying Cool When the Heat Is On Identifying When We Feel Anger Practicing Controlling Anger We're All in This Together Similarities and Differences Respecting Others Golden Rule G.R.E.A.T. Days Ahead Program Review Being a G.R.E.A.T. Citizen G.R.E.A.T. Promise G.R.E.A.T. Summer Component The G.R.E.A.T. summer program builds on the school-based curriculum by offering students an opportunity to enhance their social skills, giving them alternatives to gang involvement, and adding structure to the summer months. Interested students are asked to enroll and need a parent or guardian's signature on a Membership Agreement and Accident Waiver Form. The Agreement includes a list of rules that each student must agree to follow. Although the summer program is most beneficial when used as reinforcement for students that have received the G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum, students may be selected from other programs or directly from the community. Program Structure: Although each summer program may vary in length of time or other organizational elements, all programs should involve students in a variety of educational and recreational activities. Instruction in the G.R.E.A.T. core concepts, field trips, recreational and sporting events, and Awana Games activities are a part of an effective G.R.E.A.T. summer program. The program can help form positive community partnerships in the public and private sectors through a variety of community service projects. The G.R.E.A.T. summer program provides each agency with the flexibility to address its particular issues and concerns within the context of lessons, field trips, or presentations to the students. The program should be consistent in helping the students develop life or career skills. The Lessons: Self-Image Conflict Resolution Juvenile Law and Procedures Cultural Awareness/Sensitivity Career Exploration Communication Skills Safety Education Strengthening program Please use the Community Program Request Form to request this program.

Read the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office monthly Grievance Statistics. Grievance Statistics January 2, 2023 January 9, 2023 January 16, 2023 January 23, 2023 January 30, 2023 February 6, 2023 February 13, 2023 February 20, 2023 February 27, 2023 March 6, 2023 March 13, 2023 March 20, 2023 March 27, 2023 April 3, 2023 April 10, 2023 April 17, 2023 April 24, 2023 May 1, 2023 May 8, 2023 May 15, 2023 May 22, 2023 May 29, 2023 June 5, 2023 June 12, 2023 June 19, 2023 June 26, 2023 July 3, 2023 July 10, 2023 July 17, 2023 July 24, 2023 July 31, 2023 August 7, 2023 August 14, 2023 August 21, 2023 August 28, 2023 September 4, 2023 September 11, 2023 September 18, 2023 September 25, 2023 October 2, 2023 October 9, 2023 October 16, 2023 October 23, 2023 Ocotber 30, 2023 November 6, 2023 November 13, 2023

C.R.A.S.E. (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events Training) is designed to provide a model response program to civilians within their community. The presentation provides strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event. This presentation is designed for any public or private building personnel, to educate them on how to respond in the event of an active shooter situation. This 2-hour program provides practical lessons on how to save lives. This program is available for all congregations, schools, offices, and businesses in the 5 East End towns of Suffolk County. ​ Please use the Community Program Request Form to request this program. CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Education) Presentation C.R.A.S.E. (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events Training) is designed to provide a model response program to civilians within their community. The presentation provides strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event. This presentation is designed for any public or private building personnel, to educate them on how to respond in the event of an active shooter situation. This 2-hour program provides practical lessons on how to save lives. This program is available for all congregations, schools, offices, and businesses in the 5 East End towns of Suffolk County. Please use the Community Program Request Form to request this program.