Press release:
Currently, the City of Batavia Police Department's non-emergency phone line, (585) 345-6350, is experiencing an outage. Anyone looking to contact the City of Batavia Police Department is asked to call 345-6351 until further notice.
This outage does not affect 911 calls, anyone experiencing an emergency should contact the Genesee County Dispatch Center using 911.
“It’s going to be exciting and we anticipate large crowds, but that is not an excuse for unruly behavior, so our officers are going to be strictly enforcing parking measures and any violations related to safety and security,” Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said in a press release. “We are going to be working closely with the school district’s security firm and personnel working the games, as safety is the number one priority for fans, players and the surrounding neighborhood.”
Chief Heubusch noted that construction work near the stadium on Richmond Avenue to Oak Street and Park Road west of the stadium is ongoing throughout the fall. Those traveling in the area should use caution and plan ahead. There may be road work that could impact parking, he said.
“We will be issuing tickets for any car that is illegally parked. For any public event where there is going to be a large crowd, we encourage those attending the game to arrive early and be respectful of people’s properties.” Heubusch said. “Parking is available in the designated lots at Van Detta Stadium and Robert Morris School. If necessary to park on adjacent streets, please adhere to the parking regulations as per the posted signage and do not block driveways. Officers will be monitoring the areas surrounding the stadium for parking violations and issuing parking tickets as necessary.”
In addition to Batavia Police officers and the district’s security firm being on site in and around the stadium, all attendees will be wand-checked to ensure no prohibited items are brought into the facility, he said.
School Superintendent Jason Smith sent a letter home to families last month informing them of the updated security measures to be used at home games. The fact that these football games are popular and well-attended has created a need for additional protection, Smith said.
“In collaboration with the Batavia Police Department, we continue to make safety our number one priority for students, staff, and community members attending events at Van Detta Stadium,” Smith said in the release. “We’re anticipating a large crowd Friday night and throughout the season, and we want to continue to get the word out about enhanced safety protocols, guidelines, and expectations for those attending.”
In addition to coverage by city police, the city schools board approved a contract with Armor Security in May. The agreement is for services through Dec. 31 of this year and is with Armor Security and Protection Inc. of Rochester. The company is to provide state-certified security guards “to provide security and safety services for property located at 120 Richmond Ave., Batavia,” the contract states. Work includes monitoring venues for inappropriate, illegal behavior or actions, reporting of safety concerns within the venue and assisting with safe entry and exits.
The guards are to notify law enforcement or other emergency service providers as deemed necessary. Documentation is to be provided to the school district about any incidents deemed a reportable event or at the request of the district, according to the contract. Guards will be wearing an Armor Security uniform of black pants and shoes, and an Armor uniform shirt, layered with an Armor jacket during colder months.
The Batavia Police Department, in conjunction with The City Church, hosts its annual Community Night Out event this evening, a community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make safer neighborhoods.
The event starts at 5:30 p.m.
Various organizations and groups once again will be participating, which will include free food, a bounce house, games for kids, and more.
Photo: File photo from 2021 by Howard Owens
Press release:
The City of Batavia Police Department today announced that O-AT-KA Milk Products Cooperative, Inc. will be a Diamond Sponsor for the annual Batavia Police Community Night.
“We are extremely grateful to O-AT-KA for its continued demonstration of commitment to our local community,” said City of Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch. “For that matter, we are humbled by the support of all the sponsors no matter what their level of sponsorship for an event that brings together our community.”
Community Night Out is part of a community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make safer neighborhoods.
Various organizations and groups once again will be participating in the annual event which will include free food and a bounce house and games for kids and more.
“O-AT-KA recognizes the importance of being engaged in the local community through these types of events that brings so many people together for a positive impact,” said Joseph Steinocher from O-AT-KA. “We are delighted to be part of Community Night Out.”
The 2022 Batavia Police Community Night is in partnership with The City Church. The event will be held Tuesday, August 9th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at City Church at St. Anthony’s, 114 Liberty St., Batavia.
For more information and for those interested in a sponsorship opportunity, should contact Batavia Police Department Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk at (585) 345-6357 or at mwojtaszczyk@batavianewyork.com.
Photo: City Manager Rachael Tabelski, Stephen Quider and K-9 "Batu," Assistant Chief Chris Camp, O-AT-KA Plant Director Joseph Steinocher, Cindy Johnston, with O-AT-KA, Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk. Photo by Howard Owens.
Gone are the days when one’s safety seemingly depended on avoiding phone and email scams, talking to strangers and keeping the house locked up at night.
With mass shootings reportedly on the rise, danger zones can be anywhere, from McDonald’s and Tops Friendly Markets to schools and concert venues. For some time now, and upon request, Batavia City Police members have been conducting civilian safety workshops to offer tips on how to deal with these horrific public events. Now they’re bringing one to the general public.
“We have on staff three, there might be four, officers that are trained in what's called civilian response to active shooter incidents. And we've given this workshop to different businesses at their request over the past several years. But obviously, with everything that's gone on in Buffalo, and then nationally, we saw an opportunity to deliver this to the community at large,” Chief Shawn Heubusch said during an interview with The Batavian. “We sat down as a group and thought, you know, we can do this as well, to try to prepare our community a little better than what they are. So it is something that we've been doing, we've usually been doing it at a request, this will be the first time that we actually push it out community-wide.”
The Batavia Police Department is conducting a Civilian Response to Active Shooter/Threat Events Class next week. There are two options to choose from -- 4 to 7 p.m. June 22 or 6 to 9 p.m. June 23 at City Hall, 1 Batavia City Centre.
This course is open to the public and is free of charge. It will provide strategies, guidance, and a plan for surviving active shooter/threat events. Le Roy has conducted the workshop and Batavia’s police department has given it to businesses, and more recently United Memorial Medical Center, upon request, Heubusch said.
"We talk a lot about previous incidents, and what you can learn from those, and teach each other, teach everybody, how to survive these incidents, and hopefully get an idea of what to look for, or precursors if you will,” he said. “Learn some body language and some physiology about how you will react in a response to an active shooter event or an active threat event as well. So kind of a learning tool to understand what I learned my body will be going through just from a physiological standpoint of how the fight or flight issue (arises), and just kind of how you can work through that to survive.”
Those interested in attending should select just one of the two workshops. Although there will be signs advising attendees about the sensitive nature of the course, people may want to consider whether they want to remain for the entire portion or not, he said. Some people may have to be excused if they're not comfortable with it, he said.
“And it'll really be driven by what the class is comfortable with as well. Depending on the age group that we're serving, or you know, the abilities of the people in the class,” he said. “It’s really an overview, and giving everybody a general knowledge and some ideas of what to look for and, again, how to survive.”
Batavia City Schools is on the list for this course in the fall, he said. Heubusch encourages anyone that wants to attend, to do so, however, Batavia residents will be given first preference. Seating is limited and registration is required. To sign up or for more information, contact aperkins@batavianewyork.com with your name, address, and phone number.
You will receive a confirmation email once accepted, he said. In order to be admitted to the class, you will have to provide your name. Depending on the level of interest, BPD may offer additional courses at a later date and time.
Photo: Chief Shawn Heubusch
Press release:
The City of Batavia Police Department is once again hosting their annual Batavia Police Community Night in partnership with The City Church on Tuesday, Aug. 9 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at City Church St. Anthony’s, 114 Liberty Street, Batavia.
Community Night Out is part of a community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make safer neighborhoods. Various organizations and groups will be participating in the annual event which will include free food, a bounce house, games for kids and much more.
The Batavia Police Department is seeking donations and sponsorships for the annual event. Bronze level sponsorships range from $250 or less, Silver level from $250 - $499, Gold level from $500 to $2,499, and Diamond level from $2,500 or more.
There are also interactive booths and display options available.
“We’re very excited to once again be partnering with City Church for our annual Community Night to demonstrate our commitment and support to the residents of the City of Batavia,” said Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch. “This event allows us to interact and show our appreciation to the community and it brings together many of our business and government leaders in a safe and friendly setting.”
For more information and for those interested in a sponsorship opportunity, please contact Batavia Police Department Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk at 585-345-6357 or at mwojtaszczyk@batavianewyork.com.
Photo: File Photo by Howard Owens from 2021.
Police officers unselfishly protect the community, Batavia Det. Matthew J. Wojtaszczyk said Monday at St. Joseph's Cemetery during a ceremony to honor those who worked the streets of the city and were eventually laid to rest.
"I want to sincerely thank everyone who had a hand in this process of locating and honoring former members of the city of Batavia Police Department," said Wojtaszczyk, who is president of the Batavia Police Benevolent Association. "They dedicated their lives to a career of service for our community. From the inception of our police department in 1915 to today, the world of policing has certainly changed. But a constant throughout time has been the continued sacrifice of our men and women in blue. The officers we honor today face the daily risks of being police officers. They knew that when they put on their uniform, they would selflessly protect our community and our citizens, and that often meant placing themselves in dangerous situations."
The ceremony's purpose, said Chief Shawn Heubusch, was to honor those who gave a good portion of their lives to protect Batavia's people and property.
"Members we're recognizing today spent a significant amount of time as members of the department," Heubusch said. "Generally, they all retired from the department with at least 20 years of service to our community, many in excess of that. There are approximately 50 deceased officers buried in four cemeteries across Genesee County, including 34 here at St. Joe's and in Elmwood Cemetery."
Flag holders and Batavia PD flags, donated by H.E. Turner Funeral Home, were placed at the gravesite of each of these officers.
"It took an extraordinary effort and commitment to research the names of our deceased brethren in their final resting places," Heubusch said. "I want to recognize the two individuals who rightly deserve our gratitude and thanks. That's Rich Schauf and Steve Robinson."
Steve Johnson, of H.E. Turner, said the funeral home stepped in to assist with the donation because of the company's history, going back to 1910, of supporting local law enforcement.
"We're honored to be here to be a part of today's event, and are committed to ensuring that no Batavia police officer's final resting place goes without recognition," Johnson said. "To that end, I'd also like to announce that we have extended this offer to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and both the Le Roy and Corfu police departments, to provide resources and funding for similar memorials at their officers' graves."
At the gravesite of Anthony Horsch, Batavia's first chief of police, his great-great-grandson David Pixley noted that seeing the gravesite flags was meaningful to his family because so many of its members, in various parts of the nation, have or do serve in law enforcement.
Wojtaszczyk said local officers were grateful for the recognition because they give up a lot to serve their community.
"There are many things a police officer knows when they sign up for this career," Wojtaszczyk said. "Police officers know they will work difficult hours. Police officers know they will miss birthday parties, family events and holidays. Police Officers know that at a moment's notice they will run toward danger without hesitation. Police officers know that we'll see people who are at their worst and perhaps lowest points. And finally, police officers know that we'll be expected to make split-second decisions that will be scrutinized and critiqued afterward. In spite of this, they all choose a life of service and sacrifice."
Table: Former Batavia PD officers whose gravesites are located locally. Heubusch invited family members of former police officers were weren't included this year to contact the department to correct the unintentional oversight.
Name
Date of Birth
Date of Death
Years of Service
James J. Aquino
1920
2003
1950 – 1974
Gasper S. Baudanza
1906
1983
1931 – 1969
Robert G. Casper Sr.
1929
2008
1957-1977
Robert L. DeFreze
1927
2010
1959-1980
Albert G. DelBridge
1897
1960
1915-1952
Larry J. Falkowski
1921
2009
1942-1975
John J. Gravante
1934
2021
1959-1979
Anthony J. Horcsh
1854
1919
1890-1916
William C. Krantz
1901
1971
1933-1946
Frank A. Lachnicht
1937
2008
1966-1996
Andrew J. McCulley
1854
1931
1886-1931
Anthony J. Monteleone
1927
1984
1956-1977
Peter N. Nichols
1929
1980
1952-1978
Richard F. Pastecki
1928
1994
1957-1979
Frank S. Rodon
1911
1993
1936-1966
Bernard J. Ronan
1933
2015
1963-1985
Frank J. Rugala
1924
1990
1952-1974
Edward J. Santora
N/A
2007
1948-1969
Milford J. Smith
1904
1961
1923-1961
Grandview Cemetery:
Robert R. Currier
1930
2012
1964-1984
Earl F. Davis
1923
2001
1947-1981
Robert S. Dombrowski
1939
2016
1962-1993
Matty W. Hamera
1927
2002
1957-1976
Arthur J. Luplow
1881
1962
1915-1941
George K. McCurdy
1907
1977
1936-1971
Salvatore I. Sanfratello
1915
2001
1950-1972
Lloyd “Bud” G. Silvernail
1959
2013
1987-1993
Herbert Snyder
1887
1966
1915-1944
Richard F. Vanderwalker
1931
1996
1962-1987
Elmwood Cemetery:
William J. Lewis
1944
2019
1966-1987
Carl Salway
1890
1945
1921-1944
Charles Lewis Snell
1907
1979
1942-1971
Top photo: At the gravesite of Anthony Horsch, the first police chief of Batavia PD, he is saluted by his great-great-grandson David Pixley
Photos by Howard Owens
Chief Shawn Heubusch
Steve Robinson
Steve Johnson
Eugene Jankowski
Matthew J. Wojtaszczyk
Press release:
Recently Officers Borchert and Tucker of the City of Batavia Police Department graduated from the intensive Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training held at the Monroe County Public Safety Training Facility.
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training is the course of instruction associated with the CIT approach to responding to people with mental illness. The CIT training course requires an extensive 40-hour curriculum taught over five consecutive days.
The course emphasizes understanding of mental illness and incorporates the development of communication skills, practical experience, and role-playing. Officers are introduced to mental health professionals, consumers, and family members.
"City of Batavia Police Officers are dedicated to responding to those in crisis with compassion and understanding," stated Police Chief Shawn Heubusch, "Giving officers the tools and training they need to understand and communicate with those in crisis is key to positive outcomes and to the reduction of uses of force during these interactions."
Stephen Cronmiller, who joined the Batavia City Police Department in 2014, was sworn in as detective during Batavia City Council's conference meeting Monday at City Hall. He is to begin his new duties immediately.
It was a busy year for the Batavia Police Department, with officers answering 20,341 calls for service in 2021, according to an annual report released by the deparment.
Those calls included:
Officers also:
There was one murder investigation, 13 rape investigations, 11 robbery investigations, 49 aggravated assaults, 61 burglaries, 12 kidnappings, 41 DWI.
Officers made 501 arrests, of those, three were juveniles.
There were eight arrests for rape, 14 for aggravated assault, 21 for burglary, 52 for theft, 22 for drugs, 40 for DWI
Investigations included 651 motor vehicle accidents. Of those, 107 were injury accidents.
Patrols conducted 2,526 traffic stops and issued 1,490 traffic tickets.
They also handled 1,712 parking incidents and issued 612 parking tickets.
Domestic violence calls were down from 2020, 248 to 233.
The report also states that in response to community feedback during the 2020 meeting of the Batavia Police Advisory Collaboration Stakeholder Group, there is additional training available for officers, including mental health training and implicit bias training, as well as de-escalation, defensive tactics, and community engagement.
There is also an officer wellness training program available.
The stakeholder group discussion also prompted the department to work on recruiting more minority candidates.
Goals for the department include working with architects at Ashley-McGraw on a new police facility and obtaining police accreditation for the department.
To read the full report (pdf) click here.
The Batavia City Council tonight unanimously passed the 2022-23 budget, ending a five-month process that resulted in the funding of a $17.78 million general budget with a slight decrease in the property tax rate.
“It was a long process that starts in November when departments submit their budget. And we sit and we meet, and we hash out priorities in each department’s budget, especially when we're looking at general fund police and fire and DPW snow removal,” said City Manager Rachael Tabelski said following the Business Meeting at the City Centre Council Board Room.
Tabelski said she was “excited” by achieving a balanced budget “where the revenues conservatively are estimated to come in and match the expenses we have going out to, again, run the operations that people come to count on -- police, fire and roads.”
Council’s passage of the budget – the All-Funds budget totals $29.7 million – means that city property owners will pay a tax rate of $8.94 per $1,000 of assessed value – down by 78 cents from the 2021-22 figure.
That doesn’t mean that everyone’s tax bill will decrease since most homeowners’ assessments went up – a fact not lost on Tabelski.
“The tax rate will go down It will depend on -- your payment -- … if your assessment went up,” she said. “I know many, many residents -- almost 4,200 -- assessments went up because of market conditions during COVID and the hot housing market. My hope is that that has cooled slightly, and we're not going to see large sweeping increases in assessments moving forward because it is difficult.”
Tabelski said that people react differently when assessments are raised.
“Some people like the assessment to go up because it increases the equity and value in their home, and others understand that it can mean at times a tax increase as well,” she said. “So, I'm very sympathetic to kind of understanding where residents of the city are and trying to keep our budget as efficient as possible.”
When asked if she could identify one highlight of the budget, she came up with the fact that more money was put into the police department’s Emergency Response Team.
“They are called a countywide response team, but it's run by City of Batavia Police and they're called on the scenes where they might need something like hostage negotiation or barricaded individuals,” she said. “And I was happy that we're able to bring more funding to that program this year.”
Council also approved a 1.5 percent increase in water rates, meter fees and capital improvement fees for the 2022-23 fiscal year.
Press release:
On Feb 3, the Batavia Police Department K-9 Batu and handler Officer Stephen Quider received a donation from St. Joe's 6th-grade class in the amount of $181.
The funds were raised by the class to assist the City's K-9 Program with items such as food and veterinary bills for K-9 Batu.
K-9 Batu and Officer Quider are trained to assist the patrol officers with the tracking of individuals, locating items such as stolen property or items hidden by suspects, as well as handler defense when needed.
"K-9 Batu has quickly become an asset to the community and the support is greatly appreciated." stated Chief Shawn Heubusch, "Our program would not be possible without the support of the amazing members of our community that has stepped up to help out. I want to personally thank all the staff and students at St. Joe's for their kind donation."
If you are interested in donating to the City of Batavia Police K-9 fund please contact the Department at 585-345-6356 or email rpatterson@batavianewyork.com to learn how.
Press release:
A graduation ceremony was held on Feb 4 at the NYS Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls to recognize officers from across New York State who completed the intense two-week training school to become certified D.A.R.E. instructors.
Officer Miah Stevens, the Department's officer assigned to the Batavia City School District as a School Resource Officer, completed the training and was recognized for her hard work and dedication to the D.A.R.E. program.
Officer Stevens is now certified to teach the D.A.R.E. curriculum to grades K-12.
D.A.R.E. is more than just a "drug-resistance" curriculum. The D.A.R.E. Mission and Vision statements embody what the revamped program consists of; The D.A.R.E. Mission “Teaching students good decision-making skills to help them lead safe and healthy lives.”
The D.A.R.E. Vision, “A world in which students everywhere are empowered to respect others and choose to lead lives free from violence, substance use, and other dangerous behaviors.”
"We look forward to partnering with the Batavia city school district to deliver this important curriculum to students in the district and continue to build relationships throughout the community." stated chief Shawn Heubusch. "Congratulations to officer stevens on completing such an important and intense training curriculum."
On January 1st, 2022 Officer William Yung was assigned to the midnight shift as Batavia Police Department's newest police officer.
Officer Yung was hired in May of 2021 and attended the Alfred State Police Academy hosted at Alfred State College in Alfred, N.Y. He completed the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services Basic Course for Police which consists of a minimum standard of over 700 hours of training as established by the Municipal Police Training Council (MPCT). The Basic Course for Police Officers covers a wide range of topics including but not limited to, Ethics & Professionalism, Cultural Diversity, Bias-Related Incidents, Professional Communication, Persons with Disabilities, Crisis Intervention, Use of Physical Force & Deadly Force, Active Shooter Response and Decision Making. Officer Yung also had to complete numerous Reality-Based Training Scenarios.
Yung then went on to complete the Department's Field Training Program, which consists of an additional 400+ hours of training to teach recruits appropriate Department policies and procedures. Officer Yung also familiarized himself with the community, businesses, and streets during the field training process. He was assigned to all shifts and multiple Field Training Officers during the field training program.
Prior to becoming a City of Batavia Police Officer Bill served as a Public Safety Officer for Medaille College. He is a graduate of Hilbert College with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and has volunteered numerous hours with a Boys and Girls Club.
Please join the Department in welcoming Officer Yung!
Press Release:
On December 17, 2021, four members of the City of Batavia Police Department’s Emergency Response Team graduated from DCJS Basic SWAT School training in Livingston County. Basic SWAT School is a four-week intensive school focused on advanced weapons and tactics, forced entry (manual and mechanical), medical training, chemical deployment, distractionary device deployment, multi-terrain navigation, high-risk apprehensions, and specialized event security. The school was hosted by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and was put on over a four-month period.
“The skills and tactics learned are essential to the functions of our Emergency Response Team and will enhance operations even further for our Team.”, stated Chief Shawn Heubusch, “I would like to thank Sheriff Dougherty and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office for hosting us. I want to congratulate the men and women of our department that successfully completed this intensive training and are now more capable to serve our community in times of crisis.”
Top photo: Asst. Chief Chris Camp, Officer Wesley Rissinger, Officer Felicia DeGroot, Officer Arick Perkins, Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk, Chief Shawn Heubusch, and ERT Commander Sgt. Eric Bolles
Press Release:
The Batavia Police Department has closed out the Mo-Vember / Don’t Shave December campaigns for 2021.
The department was able to raise $1,730 for Genesee Cancer Assistance. Members of the department would like to thank the community for their support and donations.
The Mo-Vember Worldwide Campaign started in 2003 in Australia and has since grown. Mo-vember was started to bring awareness to Men’s Health; specifically, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
Photo provided by the Batavia Police Department
Press release from Batavia Police Department:
On 09/14/2021 at approximately 12:57 PM, the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a call regarding a male who became stuck in a stone bin at Western NY Concrete, located at 638 E Main St, Batavia, NY.
The City of Batavia Fire Department, City of Batavia Police Department, and Mercy EMS responded to assist.
The City Fire Department was able to extricate the victim but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was identified as Randy Ridd, 64, of Batavia.
The Genesee County Coroner’s Office sent the victim to the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death. The Batavia Police Department conducted an investigation into the incident, which appears to be accidental at this time.
A man working at Western New York Concrete Corp. at 638 East Main St. died this afternoon after becoming stuck in a stone bin, Batavia Police Department Chief Shawn Heubusch reported.
"About 12:57 (p.m.), the Batavia Fire Department along with the city police department were dispatched to Western New York Concrete for a report of a male stuck in a stone bin," Heubusch said. "Upon arrival, ... the employees that were working were trying to extricate the gentleman from the stone bin. City fire made an extrication; unfortunately, the individual has passed. We're not going to be releasing the name at this point and time, pending notification of family members."
Batavia Fire Chief Dan Herberger explained that at the concrete operation, "several tons of stone dust, which is a very fine dust that is used for concrete production. It's a big hopper that's very wide at the top and narrow at the bottom."
Herberger said the stone bin, which is located in a blue building toward the back of the lot, is "an internal thing that has a belt that takes the stone dust up into where they need it to create concrete, and he fell into the hopper and was buried."
He said the cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner, who arrived on the scene shortly before 2 p.m.
The fire chief said when his crews arrived they initially assessed what type of equipment was in operation as to not endanger firefighters
"Just taking control of equipment and ... do some disassembling just to get him out," he said, adding that the victim was in the bin for about 30 minutes after the time of the call.
Herberger said this situation differed from grain bin incidents because the stone dust is much finer than grain and "is very heavy."
He said all city firefighters on duty responded to the scene while another platoon was called into to cover fire headquarters. Heubusch said several police officers were at the scene as well as detectives who will be taking statements and assisting the fire department in the investigation.
"Our thoughts go out to the families and the employees here at WNY Concrete," he said. "They did make an attempt at a rescue to save this gentlemen, so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers."
Police Chief Shawn Heubusch and Fire Chief Dan Herberger.
City Fire Lt. Dave Green
Photos by Jim Burns
“It’s an amazing program,” Assistant Manager Tammi Ferringer said, thanking personnel from the three participating agencies – County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and Le Roy Police Department – for their efforts in conducting special details in support of STOP-DWI.
But just as quickly, speaking at the meeting at the Old County Courthouse, she noted “the biggest challenge” was that these departments are short-staffed.
“Each agency needs to be commended for changing their schedules (to work the details),” she said. “The officers really gave their all.”
The three police agencies continue to conduct routine enforcement nights with sobriety checkpoints, often resulting in DWI/DWAI arrests, she said, but noted that primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, total DWI arrests dropped from 115 in 2019 to 72 in 2020.
Thus far in 2021, however, arrests are trending upward, prompting Ferringer to believe the yearly total will equal or exceed the 2019 number.
She reported that law enforcement participated in all statewide crackdown events (eight of them in all) during the period of Oct. 1, 2020 through Sept. 30, 2021, making 205 vehicle stops. Furthermore, grant funding was used for callouts of local Drug Recognition Experts to help assist officers investigating impaired driving.
One hundred percent of STOP-DWI’s activities is funded from the collection of fines collected from DWI/DWAI offenses, Ferringer said, noting that many arrests are made during normal operationof law enforcement. STOP-DWI provides enhanced activities.
While she is budgeting for $160,910, the program currently has about $100,000 in its account.
Ferringer reported a decline in revenue from $163,418 in 2020 to (projected) $119,063 this year, but foresees an increase in 2022 as the courts reopen and more and more pending cases are adjudicated.
“There’s a backlog in the courts,” she said, adding that judges are “scared” as they see the caseload before them and try to prepare for the impending rush.
She also informed the committee that New York State is changing its terminology – moving away from “crackdown period” and replacing that with “high visibility engagement campaign.” The Labor Day/End of Summer HVEC is running now, through Sept. 6.
As she wrapped up her presentation, County Legislator Gordon Dibble, who represents the towns of Pembroke and Darien, said the Village of Corfu Police Department may be looking to re-enter the STOP-DWI program.
Ferringer’s budget request is expected to be on the agenda of the full legislature’s next meeting on Sept. 8.
Other program highlights are as follows:
Genesee Justice monitors first-time DWI offenders (non-aggravated) who have received a Conditional Discharge as long as they participate in a one-year monitoring program that includes reporting regularly to a case worker, undergoing an alcohol screening and counseling program, refraining from drinking alcohol and taking part in an intense program for behavior modification aimed at changing attitudes on drinking and driving. It also monitors Leandra Law convictions where the ignition interlock device is ordered on the vehicle.
Genesee County probation officers provide necessary DWI enforcement activities and enhanced EtG (ethyl glucuronide) alcohol testing for monitored individuals. The department is monitoring an average of 175 DWI offenders per month and has reported 50 violations year to date, which is up slightly from 172 in 2020 with 80 violations amidst pandemic response and shut down.
Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse provide case management services, including an accountability component, follow up to the court and referrals to community resources. GCASA’s Victim Impact Panel brings DWI offenders and victims together for offenders to hear first-hand how a DWI crash impacted the lives of others.
STOP-DWI’s education and prevention component includes participation by the Youth Bureau, leading to the use of images of the local law enforcement agencies for a new billboard to remind the community to not drink and drive. The image will also be used in the future for post cards and other educational handouts. Also, it conducted an adult campaign during the winter holiday season, partnering with local liquor stores to provide them with liquor bags with safe messages to remind the community to not drink and drive. In 2020, six liquor stores were provided 5,800 bags.
The program’s poster contest winners were acknowledged, as youth and “top cops” were recognized with t-shirts, gift cards, commendations as well as banners with their artwork/pictures on them to display. Brooke Jarkiewicz and Grace Shepard, 11th graders at Byron-Bergen High School were the grand prize winners, and their design was featured on a billboard for a month during the winter holiday season.
In July, a “Night at the Ballpark” took place at Dwyer Stadium, supported by the Batavia Muckdogs. Law enforcement personnel joined with county staff and representatives of human services agencies to assist at the heavily attended event.
Press release:
City of Batavia Police Department members raised an impressive $1,500.00 among their ranks to support the Challenger Sports program run by the Batavia Y and supported by the Arc of Genesee Orleans.
It was Police Sergeant Lawrence’s idea to target their fundraising proceeds to Challenger Baseball. “I have a law enforcement colleague in another state that’s involved in Challenger,” the Sergeant said. “We have a lot of new hires on the force. This is a great cause to encourage them get involved in the community,” he stated.
Challenger sports benefits children with intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities and has offered them the opportunity to swim, bowl, dance, play baseball, soccer, basketball and tennis.
Batavia Police department members that contributed to the Challenger fundraiser were: Officers Borchert, Cronmiller, Defelice, Flanagan, Freeman, Girvin, Gombos, Perkins, Rissinger, Chief Heubusch, Detective Hill, Sergeant Lawrence and Parking Enforcement Officer Sheflin.
Y representatives shared the funds will be used for supplies such as adaptive equipment for future programs.
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