Doherty, Ed

A Monroe County Police A Monroe County Police DepartmentDepartment

A Monroe County Police A Monroe County Police Department:Department:

Why is such a good idea so Why is such a good idea so unpopular?unpopular?

A Monroe County Police DepartmentA Monroe County Police Department

• Why this might be a bad idea:– Public seems satisfied with local police

• Will they support legislation and referendum?

– Consolidation is hard• Difficult technical, legal, financial issues• Extremely difficult labor relations challenge

– We tried it before and it failed


• Why this might be a bad idea:– Public seems satisfied with local police

• Will they support legislation and referendum?

– Consolidation is hard• Difficult technical, legal, financial issues• Extremely difficult labor relations challenge

– We tried it before and it failed

Monroe County Police DepartmentMonroe County Police Department

• Four Good Reason to Study in Detail

– Significant potential for efficiencies– Potential for improved effectiveness– Can correct current inequity– Opportunity to “fix” sales tax distribution


• Current Situation– 1 City – 19 Towns– 1 Town/Village– 9 Villages


• Current Police– 1 City Department– 6 Town Departments– 3 Village Departments– 1 County Sheriff

– Combined Budget of more than $200 million


GreeceIrondequoit

Rochester

Brighton

Webster

GatesEast Rochester

Brockport

FairportPlus:

Monroe County Sheriff

Ogden


• Most departments have:– Chief (or Sheriff)– Administrative units– Support units

• Budget and accounting• IT• Quartermaster/Property Clerk• Records• Fleet Service

– Investigation


• Potential for Improved Operations– Support Units– Coordinated Investigations– Patrol

• Flexible Car Beats• Special Events Details


• Understanding the Inequity– Towns with no municipal taxes for police:

Chili Clarkson HamlinHenrietta Mendon ParmaPenfield Perinton* PittsfordRiga Rush Sweden*Wheatland

* Except Villages of Brockport and Fairport


73

297

373

73 0 730

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

With Police Without

Per Capita Police Costs

Sheriff Municipal Total


73

157

230

730

73

0

50

100

150

200

250

Greece Without

Per Capita Police Costs - Greece

Sheriff Greece Total


73

172

245

730

73

0

50

100

150

200

250

Irond. Without

Per Capita Police Costs - Irondequoit

Sheriff Irond. Total


What is the result of the inequity?


938

1479

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

With Police Without

Per Capita School Property Taxes


1295 1479

0

500

1000

1500

With Police Without

Per Capita School Property Taxes - Excluding Rochester


How to Finance?


• Lessons from 1983– Much has happened in 25 years

• In the local economy• Experience with 911 System

– It not about “the City”– Need a strategy for success


• Conclusion?

We are not ready to implement a Monroe County Police

Department

But …


• Conclusion?

We Are Ready to Seriously Study the Issue


If you want change……


You have to actually change something!!!!!

News & Politics

Doherty, Ed