Endicott Mayor, Broome Sheriff Spar Over Crime Unit in Village

Endicott Mayor Linda Jackson is raising questions about the way Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar deployed deputies to the village in recent weeks.

Jackson said while she appreciated the work of the sheriff's office special response this summer, she said "it really would be better if they worked with our police department."

Speaking on the WNBF News Binghamton Now program, Jackson said "they'd make more progress" if the agencies "worked together."

Regarding the "targeted crime response" by the sheriff's office, the Endicott mayor said: "We had no idea they were here. The board didn't know. I didn't know. But more importantly, my police didn't know. He didn't talk to them at all."

Jackson said that now that the concerns have been brought to Akshar's attention, "maybe now he will start working with our police." She said "the premise is excellent... we just need to have better communication and follow-through."

The mayor said the biggest problem with the sheriff's office initiative is "they didn't tell us they were coming. They just came in, did it and left."

Later on the same radio program, Akshar said he had a good working relationship with Endicott Police Chief Patrick Garey. He said "chief Garey and I communicate on a regular basis."

The sheriff said some of his agency's initiatives in the village over the summer were conducted "in concert with the Endicott Police Department." He suggested Jackson "should brush up on the facts" before discussing the operation conducted by the sheriff's office.

Akshar said he didn't have any plans to conduct more targeted crime enforcement details in the county at this time. But, he added, "if that need arises, then the chief and I will be in communication with one another" and address public safety needs.

Garey could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.

LISTEN: Excerpts of WNBF News interviews with Endicott Mayor Linda Jackson and Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar on September 19, 2023.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.