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GOVERNOR ELIOT SPITZER NOMINATES THOMAS BEILEIN TO CHAIR STATE COMMISSION OF CORRECTION
Governor Eliot Spitzer today announced that he will nominate Niagara County Sheriff Thomas Beilein to serve as Chair of the State Commission of Correction, which oversees the operation and management of State and local correctional facilities and secure residential treatment centers operated by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
Beilein will lead the Commission as it monitors the care, treatment, and discipline that inmates receive; conducts training programs for corrections personnel; approves plans for facility construction; and prepares statistical reports.
“With nearly four decades of service to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff Thomas Beilein will bring a wealth of experience in all aspects of law enforcement – from criminal investigation to jail administration – to the job,” Governor Spitzer said. “Sheriff Beilein is intimately familiar with the challenges faced by counties and sheriffs’ departments in building new facilities and meeting inmate capacity needs. He is also acutely aware of other issues facing the correctional system, including mental health issues, the provision of medical care, and officer training and safety.”
The Governor also noted that Sheriff Beilein is well respected by his colleagues. Thirty-nine sheriffs from across the state, as well as the executive director of the New York State Sheriffs' Association, wrote letters in support of his nomination.
Senator George Maziarz said: “I would like to thank Governor Spitzer for the appointment of Tom Beilein. It is always great to see someone from Niagara County be appointed to such an important position in New York State. Also, I would like to congratulate Tom Beilein and thank him for his years of service to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department.”
Assemblymember Francine DelMonte said: “I want to thank Governor Spitzer for appointing Sheriff Beilein to the state Commission of Correction. I welcome the opportunity to support Sheriff Beilein’s candidacy through several steps in the process and know that his many years of experience in law enforcement and in overseeing county jail operations will serve the mission of the Commission.”
Mr. Beilein has served Niagara County as sheriff since 1994. He is responsible for the provision of public safety, emergency services, correctional services and civil law enforcement. He also directs the Niagara County Jail, which includes a daily inmate population of 450, as well as 122 full-time correction officers, 23 part-time correction officers, and additional support staff. Mr. Beilein started his career in Niagara County as Deputy Sheriff in 1969. He is trained in drug enforcement administration, basic homicide investigation and major case management.
The Governor also commended the Commission’s current chair, Daniel Stewart, for his service. Mr. Stewart will continue to serve on the Commission, and the Governor noted that his continued service will provide for a seamless transition as Sheriff Beilein assumes the chairman's role.
Sheriff Beilein’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the state Senate. The chairman’s salary is $101,600 annually.