Interview with BC Sheriff Leo McGuire


bergencountyBergen County’s cultural diversity continues to grow, and with all the benefits come challenges.
What has been your experience working with the county’s diverse cultural population with respect to crime, homeland security, and fostering cooperation with county law enforcement?
One of the things that makes Bergen County such a great place to live is its rich cultural diversity. From the cuisine from across the world to the positive influence from the 140 plus nations represented in our County, we have much to be thankful for. In my career as a police officer and certainly as Sheriff for 6 years, law enforcement has to continue to embrace our various cultural differences in order to protect the public even better. By understanding the unique cultures, we can serve more effectively and engage the public to assist in keeping Bergen County safer. I have engaged the public directly and with my community outreach unit to ensure the lines of communication are wide open to foster trust and understanding.
Many people are confused by the existance of both the County Sheriff‘s department and the County Police.
Could you explain if they address different law enforcement needs?
Has there been a study as to consolidation of these services?
Should consolidation be considered, what might be obstacles with respect to unions, residents, and police personnel?
County Executive Dennis McNereny, my running mate this Nov 2nd and the prosecutor of Bergen County, John Molinelli have offered drug forfeiture funds to study law enforcement efficiency among the three county agencies,- Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office and County Police. They are also offering towns money to engage in their own consolidation studies with surrounding communities. Currently, we work together to ensure Bergen County is safer while doing so without wasteful duplication, however, I look forward to the results of the study to see how we might provide the services our residents need at a price they can afford.

Bergen County holds strongly to its Home Rule history but we have to remain open to all suggestions and potential shared services initiatives, even those that have been sacred cows in the past. The most important aspect is to ensure public safety is not compromised.

There are occasionally local police reports that indicate the arrest involved the possession of a narcotic such as heroin.
Has use of the drug grown more evident?
Do you see any indication that a younger population is falling victim to it?

I don’t have any empirical evidence to support such a claim but I do know that we must continue to educate our youth and the Sheriff’s Office, under my administration, has made it clear that education is key to preventing our youth from going down the wrong path. I’m proud of our Youth Leadership program for 12-19 year olds where they can experience the law enforcement profession, support the Sheriff’s Office and place a highly valued entry on their resume. We also began our START program, Sheriff’s Training and Redirection Team Program, for our youth who have begun down the wrong path. We take them for two weeks in the summer and change their lives around. Grades rise, attitudes improve and these young men and women go on to be successful adults.

leomcguire22Franklin Lakes, Oakland, and Wyckoff
Anything in particular you would like to say to the residents of Franklin Lakes, Oakland and Wyckoff?

As an Oakland resident for over 20 years, a two-term councilman and a husband and father, I will continue to dedicate myself to the FLOW area and the greater community of Bergen County to ensure the public’s safety, enhance services and remain fiscally responsible in the administration of the Sheriff’s Office and ask for your continued support on November 2nd with your vote for my team in Column Two.