Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, founded in 1683, is the oldest law enforcement agency in Suffolk County. Like Nassau, the Sheriff’s Office focuses on corrections, civil enforcement, and court security, while the Suffolk County Police Department handles most patrol and crime response.

With facilities in Riverhead and Yaphank, the Suffolk County Sheriff oversees thousands of inmates and manages a broad range of civil and law enforcement responsibilities across the county.

Corrections

The Sheriff operates two major correctional facilities:

  • Riverhead Correctional Facility
  • Yaphank Correctional Facility

Responsibilities include:

  • Housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
  • Running inmate rehabilitation and educational programs.
  • Maintaining facility safety, security, and healthcare services.

Civil Enforcement

The Sheriff’s Civil Enforcement Bureau carries out court-ordered civil matters such as:

  • Serving summonses, subpoenas, and other legal documents.
  • Executing evictions.
  • Enforcing property seizures and wage garnishments.
  • Handling foreclosure sales of homes.

Courts & Judicial Security

The Suffolk County Sheriff ensures that the county’s court system operates securely by:

  • Providing courthouse and courtroom security.
  • Escorting inmates to court appearances.
  • Safeguarding judges, jurors, and witnesses.

Law Enforcement Support

Although patrol is handled by SCPD in western Suffolk and local/town police in eastern Suffolk, the Sheriff’s Office also:

  • Apprehends fugitives and enforces warrants.
  • Provides law enforcement support in eastern Suffolk where local coverage is thinner.
  • Works closely with state and federal agencies in joint operations.

Specialized Units & Community Programs

The Suffolk County Sheriff also runs or participates in:

  • K-9 units (drug detection, security, search and rescue).
  • DWI enforcement and road patrols.
  • Emergency Response Teams for correctional disturbances.
  • Community outreach programs on opioids, youth safety, and scam prevention.

Responsibilities at a Glance

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is essential to the functioning of the county’s justice system. Its deputies and correction officers handle thousands of inmates, enforce civil law, and secure courts every day. For Suffolk residents, the Sheriff’s Office is most often encountered through evictions, foreclosures, inmate services, or community outreach programs.