The full-time Strategic Response Group is a team of deputies working to address quality of life and safety concerns across the county. 

They'll work on community concerns that are often not addressed properly or promptly because of a high volume of calls, using data from the Southern Tier Crime Prevention Center to identify reoccurring issues and hot spots. 

Quality of life concerns include: 

  • Speeding vehicles and traffic concerns
  • Frequent or repeat narcotics issues
  • Calls for service that require more intervention or solutions
  • Building checks to prevent property crime
  • Intervention with repeat offenders
  • Collaborations with community partners to help those with substance use disorders
  • Helping homeless people connect with services
  • Enforcement in high-crime areas, especially gun and gang related violence

"This was an effort that was born by listening to the people of Broome County say we have recurring issues in Lisle. Are we having recurring issues in the city of Binghamton? We need help," explained Sheriff Fred Akshar. "Now we're in a position to be able to dedicate a full time team to go and address those issues."

The office piloted the program last year and again this year, making 115 arrests.