The Erie County Probation Department has developed a unit to enforce warrantless searches on cases that have a search provision as a condition of probation. Since its inception in October of 2009, the unit has recovered 25 long guns, two handguns, over 60 bladed weapons, two crossbows, and hundreds of rounds of live ammunition. Officers have also recovered felony amounts of heroin, cocaine and marijuana.

The search unit consists of teams of six to eight officers who make intensive home visits to probationers. Local law enforcement agencies often assist the probation department as needed. The unit has worked with Buffalo, Lackawanna, Tonawanda, Cheektowaga, Depew and Hamburg Police Departments. The searches are often strategically planned to coincide with law enforcement initiatives aimed at improving community safety. The FBI has provided search training to the unit.

Through the enforcement of warrantless search provisions the Probation Department aims to hold offenders accountable and to improve community safety by removing drugs and weapons from neighborhoods. The Probation Department’s efforts serve to make Erie County a great place to live and work.

“Our probation officers are on the front lines, often in dangerous situations, to make sure criminals who are out on probation are no longer a threat to society,” said County Probation Director Rachelle Cybulski. “These officers are doing a wonderful job for the residents of Erie County.”

Central Police Services Commissioner Peter M. Vito said, “I’m very proud of the work our probation department is doing to keep the law abiding citizens of our County safe. I believe this initiative has made a significant impact in preventing crimes in our area.”

“We must do everything possible to ensure the safety of our residents,” said Erie County Executive Chris Collins. “When Pete Vito and Rachelle Cybulski approached me with this idea, I thought it was a very innovative new approach to keeping tabs on probationers. The initiative has exceeded my expectations.”