Albion backs effort for study of police services in Orleans

ALBION – The Albion police chief and Village Board are supporting an effort for a county-wide study of police services that would look at the existing staffs and resources, and consider ways for efficiencies and improved service throughout the county.

“I’m in favor of it,” Albion Police Chief Roland Nenni said about the study. “It could be good for everyone county-wide.”

Orleans County is taking the lead in pursuing a state grant for the study that would look at staffing and resources at the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, and the village police departments in Albion, Holley and Medina. Lyndonville also has a part-time officer.

The county would use the grant to hire a consultant to work with the local police agencies, taking an inventory of assets and personnel, and considering ways to share services or possibly consolidate into one agency.

There may be opportunities for shared administration, joint purchasing and other initiatives that would keep the existing village police departments.

County Legislature Chairman David Callard said he wants to keep the village police departments. He knows the police are a big cost driver in the village budgets.

He expects the study will show ways to bring down those costs.

The county has retained J. O’Connell and Associates in Clarence to seek a grant through the State Department of State for the study. O’Connell will be paid up to $5,000 to for “local government efficiency grant.”

The Albion Village Board backed the study on Wednesday, a day after the Holley Village Board approved a resolution in support of the effort.

Nenni, the Albion police chief, said he would also write a letter of support of the study, which he said would help the county with its grant application.

“This could show ways for us to be more effective and efficient,” he said about the study.