Rome, NY — Sheriff Carey Phair opened the program with a focused briefing on threat
assessment, explaining how early identification and intervention are essential to
preventing violence. The presentation, held in conjunction with Mohawk Valley
Community College (MVCC), Rome Campus, addressed recent concerns involving
threats at a Clinton-area high school.
Lt. Phair detailed how Threat Assessment and Management (TAM) teams—established
statewide following the 2022 Buffalo Tops Friendly Markets shooting—work
collaboratively with schools, mental health professionals, and county agencies to
assess risk, intervene early, and manage cases over time.
Robert Maciol joined Sheriff Morgan and department leadership to reinforce the
importance of proactive community engagement, reporting, and coordinated response.
OC Cares App and Reporting Emphasized
Sheriff Morgan encouraged residents to use the OC Cares app, available through the
Oneida County Sheriff's Office, to report threats and access mental health and safety
resources. Officials stressed that many threats now originate on social media, making
early reporting essential to prevention.
Scam Case Highlights Urgency
Sheriff Maciol detailed a real case involving a family targeted by scammers who falsely
claimed their grandchild had been in an accident and was being held at a law office.
The family withdrew $20,000 and gave it to a courier before learning the situation was
fabricated by out-of-state criminals.
Residents were advised to verify all emergency claims before taking action.
Safety Programs and Autism Awareness
Yellow Dot Program & Pet Safety: Residents place a yellow dot on their refrigerator and
store medical information inside for first responders. Additional “Pet Inside, Please Help”
stickers and wallet cards alert emergency personnel to animals in the home or vehicle.
Blue Envelope Program: A statewide initiative supporting safer traffic stops, particularly
for individuals on the autism spectrum or with communication challenges. Drivers
present a blue envelope containing identification and instructions to assist officers in
respectful interaction.
Jurisdiction and Role of the Sheriff
The Sheriff serves as the chief law enforcement officer of the county, overseeing law
enforcement, corrections, and civil divisions, including patrol services, jail operations,
and court-related functions across Oneida County.
Sheriff Rob Maciol has served in this role since 2011 following a 25-year career in law
enforcement.
Community Engagement
Audience members shared personal experiences with scams, including fraudulent travel
offers. Following the presentation, Sheriff Morgan, Lt. Curtis Morgan, and department
personnel met individually with attendees to address concerns and provide guidance.
For more information, contact the Oneida County Sheriff's Office at 315-765-2222 or
visit MVILR at http://www.mvilr.org.
