Tedisco Passes First-of-its-Kind Public Safety Bill in Senate for Police Department Consolidation in the Adirondacks

Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Glenville) today announced the state Senate has passed his legislation to help taxpayers and enhance public safety by establishing the first-of-its-kind joint bi-town/bi-county police force in the Adirondack Park towns of Inlet and Webb in Hamilton and Herkimer Counties

The Adirondack Park towns of Inlet and Webb in Hamilton and Herkimer Counties, respectively, cover a large and geographically diverse area, but with a small population, it can be challenging to provide efficient and effective service. As the two towns are in different counties, state law does not allow for the formation of a joint department. 

Tedisco’s legislation (S.3220) addresses this by authorizing the towns of Inlet and Webb to establish and operate a joint police district if each town approves to do so in a local referendum. This shared police force will enhance public safety for residents in both towns and counties by enabling the departments to pool resources while saving tax dollars through consolidation and greater government efficiencies. 

“Ensuring public safety is my top priority and should be job number one for any elected representative.  This first-of-its-kind public safety bill for our Adirondack Park towns of Inlet and Webb in Hamilton and Herkimer Counties will not only lead to more government efficiency for our tax dollars but also help support the brave men and women of law enforcement and our emergency first responders who put their lives on the line each and every day to protect our communities and the lives of our families and neighbors,” said Senator Tedisco. 

The bill now moves to the Assembly for passage where it is sponsored by Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,I,SAM-Meco).