Yates County corrections again receives accreditation

YATES COUNTY--The Yates County Legislature met for its annual end-of-year meeting Thursday, Dec. 29. During the session, legislators were updated on the number of children currently in foster care in Yates County, which stands at 50, a record high for the county. Normally, approximately 10 children are in foster care. Each year, the department of social services hosts a holiday party for the children, which is attended by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children receive presents, which are donated by area clubs and local organizations.
At the meeting, Amy Miller, commissioner in the Department of Social Services, was presented with a check representing donations collected from Yates County department leaders to help with future initiatives in support of children in foster care.
Peter Kehoe, executive director of the New York State Sheriff's Association, also attended the meeting to present the five-year certificate of accreditation to the Yates County Sheriff's Office Jail Division.
Speaking on behalf of sheriffs across the state, Kehoe congratulated and honored Sheriff Ron Spike and the men and women of the Yates County Sheriff's Office for their accomplishments. According to Kehoe, only half of the state's jails have received accreditation. In addition, Yates County has received every state-level accreditation available to the Sheriff's Office. These accomplishments have been secured even while Spike has dedicated much time to initiatives outside of Yates County.
"Sheriff Spike has held every office available in the Sheriff's Association," said Kehoe, noting that Spike has strong relationships with leaders at the local, regional, and state level. "He is currently the first and only chairman of the association's charitable entity. He is the chair of the municipal police training council and has been the chair under five separate governors, gaining the confidence of all of them. And, he still has time to do a great job in Yates County, as witnessed by all the state accreditations."
Kehoe also acknowledged the county's corrections officers, indicating they are the "unsung heroes."
"They have a difficult, unenviable job to do, and they do it right, as evidenced by the accreditation," said Kehoe.
To earn the accreditation status, an outside board of assessors reviews operations, looking for compliance with a "stringent set of standards with 166 components." According to Kehoe, the board noted that the Yates County Sheriff's Office met or exceeded every standard. Kehoe also offered congratulations to the legislators and citizens of Yates County, saying that their moral and financial support helped make these accomplishments possible.