Sheriff's Office

Mission Statement

The mission of the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office is to provide effective law enforcement services to the community through community partnership, deterrence of crime, apprehension of offenders, victim/witness assistance, recovery and return of property, public service, enhance of the quality of life and the fair and equitable treatment of all persons. Our motto is "Honor, Pride, Integrity." 

"Honor, Pride, Integrity"

Our motto is more than just a saying,

These words describe how we have decided to represent ourselves

in the performance of our duties.

These words hold so much value to us

that we have chosen to wear them on our sleeve.

They provide reassurance to those that come into our presence,

and serve as a constant reminder for us.

Honor involves loyalty to our agency, and to the public

we have been called to protect.

It requires a servant's humility and a just and merciful heart.

It is being self-sacrificial rather than self-serving.

It involves an unrelenting commitment to excellence.

Pride describes a feeling that comes from our sense of duty.

It does not represent a feeling of self-righteousness or superiority.

Rather, it comes from the recognition of the utter importance of our purpose

and respect for the authority bestowed upon us.

It grows over time as a result of shared experience and increasing trust.

Integrity is what we are expected to possess.

It involves living by a higher standard.

It is holding us accountable

to each other and to the public.

It comes from being guided not only by what is legal,

but what is moral, right, and just.

These words are our promise to you.