Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office

Entrance to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office correctional complex at 100 Center Drive in Riverhead, New York. File photo via Google Street View.
Entrance to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office correctional complex at 100 Center Drive in Riverhead, New York. File photo via Google Street View.

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, with roots dating to 1683, is one of Suffolk County’s oldest public institutions. In Suffolk County, the Sheriff’s Office generally oversees corrections, civil enforcement, inmate transport, and court security, while most routine patrol and emergency police response are handled by the Suffolk County Police Department or by local police agencies elsewhere in the county.

With major correctional facilities in Riverhead and Yaphank, the Sheriff’s Office plays a central role in the county justice system. Visitation rules, inmate services, civil-enforcement procedures, and other public-facing service details may change, so it is best to check official Suffolk County Sheriff resources before visiting or relying on time-sensitive information.

Corrections

The Sheriff’s Office operates the county correctional system through two major facilities:

  • Riverhead Correctional Facility: 100 Center Dr, Riverhead, NY 11901
  • Yaphank Correctional Facility: 200 Suffolk Ave, Yaphank, NY 11980

Responsibilities include:

  • Housing pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates in county custody.
  • Overseeing educational, treatment, rehabilitation, and re-entry programming.
  • Maintaining facility safety, security, transportation, and inmate support services.

Civil Enforcement

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

  • Serving summonses, subpoenas, warrants, and other legal documents.
  • Executing evictions and other court-directed actions.
  • Enforcing property executions, levies, and wage garnishments.
  • Conducting public sales or auctions when ordered by the court.

Courts & Judicial Security

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office helps keep the county court system operating securely by:

  • Providing courthouse and courtroom security.
  • Transporting inmates to and from court appearances.
  • Supporting the safety of judges, jurors, witnesses, court staff, and the public.

Law Enforcement Support

Although routine patrol duties are generally handled by the Suffolk County Police Department or local police departments, the Sheriff’s Office also supports broader public-safety efforts through:

  • Apprehending fugitives and enforcing certain warrants and court mandates.
  • Assisting with inmate transport, judicial operations, and countywide enforcement needs tied to the courts.
  • Working with local, state, and federal agencies in joint operations and task-force activity.

Specialized Units & Community Programs

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office also runs or participates in a range of specialized and community-focused programs. Offerings may vary over time, but they can include:

  • K-9 units used for detection, security, and other enforcement support roles.
  • DWI and traffic-safety initiatives conducted through targeted enforcement efforts.
  • Emergency response teams for high-risk incidents within the correctional system.
  • Community outreach on subjects such as opioid awareness, youth safety, re-entry, and scam prevention.

Riverhead Correctional Facility


Yaphank Correctional Facility

Both correctional facilities are secure government sites rather than visitor attractions. Access is controlled, and visitation schedules, identification requirements, dress codes, and permitted items can change by facility and program, so check official guidance before arriving.


Key Facts & Details

AgencySuffolk County Sheriff’s Office
Established1683
Primary ResponsibilitiesCorrections, court security, inmate transport, and civil enforcement
Main Correctional FacilitiesRiverhead Correctional Facility and Yaphank Correctional Facility
Riverhead Facility Address100 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901
Yaphank Facility Address200 Suffolk Avenue, Yaphank, NY 11980
JurisdictionSuffolk County, Long Island, New York
Related Law Enforcement AgencySuffolk County Police Department
Court FunctionsCourthouse security, inmate transport, and judicial support operations
Civil Enforcement DutiesEvictions, subpoenas, summonses, levies, and other court-ordered actions
Community ProgramsRe-entry initiatives, youth outreach, opioid awareness, scam prevention, and public safety education
Official WebsiteOfficial Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office website

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is a key part of county government and the local justice system. For many Suffolk County residents, the agency is most often encountered through civil process, inmate services, court security, public auctions, or community outreach. Because policies and procedures can change, checking official sources ahead of time is recommended for visitation, records requests, civil enforcement, and other public-facing services.

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