Suffolk County, NY, November 16, 2020 – The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, a LeoTech customer, has received a $700K grant for tackling chronic crime with innovative, evidence-based solutions. The grant funds will support the county’s use of Verus, a patented cutting-edge software by LeoTech that leverages artificial intelligence to monitor inmate phone calls. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is one of 10 jurisdictions selected by the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance to receive this grant.
Verus by LeoTech advances the technology-based approach introduced by Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. This new, sophisticated tool integrates into correctional phone systems, and converts calls into searchable transcripts—to reduce crime, drug and sex trafficking, while also alerting correctional officers to mental health issues among inmates. Verus has even been used to support the COVID-19 response. A versatile and effective tool, Verus saves jurisdictions time and money in their criminal investigations and inmate interventions.
“When we developed Verus, we wanted to expedite the delivery of actionable information so law enforcement and health practitioners working with inmates could respond quickly to rapidly evolving situations,” said LeoTech CEO Scott Kernan.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is leading the way to gain optimal advantage for its crime-fighting force. Sheriff of Suffolk County, Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. has been a strong advocate of the use of data analytics and technology in his jurisdiction. LeoTech has been honored to work with his team to use actionable intelligence to prevent crime and foster inmate rehabilitation, which have been top priorities throughout Sheriff Toulon’s tenure.
“Sheriff Toulon and his team are an excellent model of successfully leveraging technology to enhance his staff’s investigative capabilities and opportunities.” said Kernan. “Verus equips the Suffolk County team in solving crime, creating safer communities, and addressing critical mental healthcare issues that lead to inmate rehabilitation.”
Sheriff Toulon has more than 30 years of criminal justice experience, mainly in corrections intelligence and combating gang violence. Prior to serving as Suffolk County Sheriff, Toulon worked for 22 years as a uniformed member of service with the New York City Department of Correction, including implementing new techniques as deputy commissioner of operations for the New York City Department of Correction.
“Early adoption of technological solutions has long-term benefits for communities throughout the United States,” says Kernan. “We hope Suffolk County is the first of many jurisdictions we can partner with to obtain funding to modernize safe policing.”
Today’s award for Strategies in Policing Innovation is part of a sweeping $458 million in federal grant funding to support state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts to fight and prevent violent crime in jurisdictions across the United States.
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