The County Executive’s Corner – Rockland County Takes Public Safety Seriously

As someone who spent over two decades in law enforcement, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander of Detectives in the NYPD, I know what it takes to run a law enforcement agency that not only serves but also earns the trust of its community. It’s about discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way even when no one is watching.

That’s why I’m incredibly proud to share Rockland’s County’s Sheriff’s Office Civil Enforcement Division has once again been recognized for its excellence by the New York State Sheriff’s Association—receiving its fourth consecutive accreditation since 2009.

This achievement didn’t come easy. Accreditation is a rigorous process that requires law enforcement agencies to meet 121 individual standards across a wide range of operational, administrative, and ethical categories. These include rules on fair recruitment and promotions, legal procedures, community engagement, evidence handling, use of force policies, and more. The process also requires a yearly proof-of-compliance report and, every five years, a full-scale review and audit by a team of outside assessors.

Our Civil Division doesn’t just prepare for these audits once every five years—they are continuously working toward excellence. The division has established a dedicated accreditation compliance team whose sole job is to monitor, review, and ensure the department’s policies and procedures align with state standards all year long.

Why does this matter? Because accreditation isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about performance. It leads to greater efficiency, reduced risk of legal challenges, stronger credibility in court, and higher morale among officers. It assures the public that their Sheriff’s Office operates with transparency, fairness, and a commitment to best practices.

Across New York State, only 31 out of 62 counties have earned civil accreditation. Even more impressively, Rockland is one of only 15 counties statewide to have all of its Sheriff’s divisions—Civil, Corrections, Patrol, and Communications/PSAP—fully accredited. That puts us into an elite company and speaks volumes about the caliber of our Sheriff’s Office under the leadership of Sheriff Louis Falco and his outstanding team.

This continued success is a reflection of the values we hold dear in Rockland County. We don’t settle for average. We set the standard. From our proactive approach to public safety to our commitment to transparency and professional excellence, we are always working to ensure that residents feel safe, respected, and protected.

To the men and women of our Sheriff’s Office: thank you. Your hard work, professionalism, and dedication do not go unnoticed. 

And to the people of Rockland County—rest assured, your safety is in good hands.