Sheriff’s Dept. Captain Harry Tompkins discusses the SPO request
with legislators Paul Jonke and Neal Sullivan
CARMEL – Town officials in Carmel are concerned about security at their Town Hall in Mahopac and have asked the county to appoint two Special Patrol Officers (SPO’s) to patrol the municipal building five days a week from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The Putnam Legislature’s Protective Services Committee welcomed Sheriff’s Department Captain Harry Tompkins to its meeting last week who explained that Supervisor Kenneth Schmitt had requested the formation of the two positions to be funded by the township.
Each SPO would work a four-hour daily shift at a rate of $25 per hour. The officers would also be supplied with uniforms and equipment while undergoing extensive training.
Currently, the county manages the SPO program as well as the SRO or School Resource Officer initiative.
Tompkins told Legislators Paul Jonke, Neal Sullivan and Bill Gouldman who comprise the committee in addition to Legislators Toni Addonizio, Ginny Nacerino, Carl Albano, Joe Castellano and Amy Sayegh who were also in attendance that Putnam currently employs 16 SPO’s who patrol area schools as well as the County Office Building.
SPO’s are retired police officers who earn no more than $30,000 annually. The officers armed at all times.
Jonke, who chairs the committee, fully supported the request since “three incidents occurred at Carmel Town Hall during the past year. The officers would supply an added measure of security for employees at town hall.”
Sullivan agreed. “In this day and age of unrest, we have become extremely mindful of security measures. My concern is what if other towns want the officers as well? We are sadly living in a new era.”
Legislator Albano indicated that the request “makes sense. Let’s get all the numbers together and go from there.”
Captain Tompkins said a contract would be drawn up in the next few weeks which would be reviewed by county and town officials.
Supervisor Schmitt would like the SPO’s on board by January 1.
