Buffalo Sheriff Backs Child Sensitive Arrest Bill to Safeguard Minors

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Handcuffs laying on top of fingerprint chart in file
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Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia voiced his support for the New York State Child Sensitive Arrest Bill on Friday. The bill aims to protect children impacted by the arrest of a parent or guardian.

The legislation, passed by the state legislature in spring 2024, requires police to develop policies ensuring children receive proper care when their guardians are arrested. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature, delivered on December 12.

According to Sheriff Garcia, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office has already implemented a similar policy. Deputies are trained to assess whether arrestees are guardians and to coordinate child supervision. Since January, 152 deputies completed specialized training with the Osborne Association, using the new skills in dozens of cases.

This week, deputies assisted two young children whose parents were arrested on charges of drug possession and child endangerment.

“Our goal to provide quality public safety services to the people of Erie County, we recognize the impact an arrest of a parent or guardian can have on a child and the trauma it can create,” said Sheriff Garcia. “Our deputies take their duty to address this fact seriously.”

Sheriff Garcia encouraged other departments to adopt similar practices. He called on the governor to sign the bill, which would extend protections statewide.

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