Inside Look: Broome County Sheriff’s Office SRG Crime Response Program

On August 15, 2024 results of the  Broome County Sheriff’s Office Strategic Response Group (SRG) public safety and crime response initiative were announced by Sheriff Fred Akshar.

Full-time activation of the Strategic Response Group began in mid-June, resulting in 71 arrests, including 16 narcotics charges, 23 warrant arrests, 27 vehicle and traffic arrests, and 227 traffic violations Issued out of 318 conducted traffic stops.

The Strategic Response Group consists of Broome County deputies who target quality-of-life concerns and safety needs of communities in the county. According to the Broome County Sheriff's Office, the Group focuses on concerns that may not be adequately addressed or not addressed promptly due to the high volume of calls for service for normal patrol deputies.

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Some quality of life concerns include areas with high numbers of speeding vehicles or repeat traffic complaints frequent or repeated narcotic activities, and persistent or complex calls for service that require greater intervention and solutions.

Other concerns are susceptible facility or building checks to prevent property crimes, intervention techniques with persistent criminal offenders, collaboration with community partners to intervene with individuals with substance use disorders, engagement with homeless persons and connecting with service and targeted enforcement of high crime areas, especially those experiencing gun and gang-related violence.

Our Strategic Response Group is off to an excellent start, utilizing the latest technology, data and community partnerships to fulfill and uphold our unwavering commitment to the safety of our residents. The SRG team’s versatility and flexibility not only allows us to adequately reprioritize and respond to persistent issues while serving the people of Broome County, it also reduces the calls for service for traditional zone patrol deputies, lightening the load and allowing them to handle criminal complaints, 911 calls and to reduce response time to emergencies. - Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar