Qualifications to seek and hold the Office of Sheriff
No person with a conviction for a felony, a fraud, official misconduct, perjury or making a false statement shall be eligible as a qualified candidate to be elected to the Office of Sheriff or undertake the oath of Undersheriff. Criminal history convictions shall be verified by the County Board of Elections through fingerprint submissions to both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
Prior to taking the oath of office the Sheriff-elect and the Undersheriff designee must have previously attended a Basic New Sheriff Training Course to be sponsored by the New York State Sheriffs’ Association or any successor organization, consisting of forty hours of training. Such training shall be offered following the election of the Sheriff. However, in the event of an appointment to the office of Sheriff by the Governor or a County Judge, such training shall be offered and completed as soon as practicable after the appointment.
