He graduated from the FBI National Academy Program’s 260th session held in Quantico, Virginia. < Back Sheriff Strada graduates FBI program He graduated from the FBI National Academy Program’s 260th session held in Quantico, Virginia. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada has graduated from the FBI National Academy Program’s 260th session held in Quantico, Virginia. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the FBI’s ten week program is a professional development course for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders. In attendance at the 260th session were leaders from 47 states, military organizations and federal civilian organizations with 22 of the students from 20 foreign countries. Its mission is “to support, promote and enhance the personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders by preparing them for complex, dynamic and contemporary challenges through innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and research, and forging partnerships throughout the world.” Less than 1 percent of law enforcement executives in the country ever receive the opportunity to attend the FBI National Academy. As a leader with a proven record as a professional within the law enforcement community, Sheriff Strada considers it an honor and a privilege to have been chosen to attend.

Sheriff Strada was a guest speaker at the Sparta Woman’s Club luncheon. < Back Sparta Woman’s Club hosts Sheriff Strada Sheriff Strada was a guest speaker at the Sparta Woman’s Club luncheon. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada was a guest speaker at the Sparta Woman’s Club luncheon held recently at the Lake Mohawk Country Club in Sparta. Sheriff Strada was invited to share a presentation on the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office with the audience of fifty members. During the presentation, he spoke about the history of the sheriff’s office, the Bureau of Law Enforcement/Corrections Unit, the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP)/Sheriff’s Work Assistance Program (SWAP), Emergency Management/Fire Marshal responsibilities along with the many community programs that are in place such as Crime Stoppers, Project Lifesaver, Outbound 9-1-1, Register Ready, D.A.R.E., TRIAD and CERT programs. The presentation, designed to educate the public about the many services that the sheriff’s office provides to the citizens of Sussex County, was followed by a question and answer session. Sheriff Strada would like to encourage any organization which is interested in learning more about the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office to contact it at 973.579.0850. Pictured from left to right: Marjorie Strohsahl, Corresponding Secretary/FWCNJ Past President, Sheriff Michael F. Strada and Stevie Fava, Co-President.

Arrested: Christopher Kotz, age 30 and Johnathan DeLucchi, age 23, both of Hopatcong, NJ. < Back Sheriff's K-9 search results in seizure of heroin brick Arrested: Christopher Kotz, age 30 and Johnathan DeLucchi, age 23, both of Hopatcong, NJ. Previous Next On September 2, 2011, Sheriff’s Officer Kieran McMorrow and Sheriff’s K-9 Atlas were assigned to assist the Hopatcong Police Department which was conducting a DWI traffic checkpoint. Sheriff’s Officer McMorrow utilized K-9 Atlas to search several vehicles stopped at the checkpoint. One of the vehicles searched was occupied by Kotz and DeLucchi. Further investigation of that vehicle revealed a “brick” consisting of approximately 50 bags of heroin and a hypodermic syringe hidden behind the glove compartment. Both Kotz and DeLucchi were immediately taken into custody by Hopatcong Police. Kotz and DeLucchi, both charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, are currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $15,000 bail.

Professional Standards The Professional Standards Unit is responsible for reviewing Sussex County Sheriff’s Office standard operating procedures that address applicable non-discriminatory policy, the law of arrest, search and seizure, motor vehicle stop enforcement activities, and any other policies deemed necessary to maintain or enhance the practices of the Sheriff’s Office. Data collection and documenting operations audits, including the achieving and maintaining the New Jersey State Chiefs of Police State accreditation certification are also under the purview of the unit. The unit is dedicated to serving the citizens of Sussex County by promoting the development and implementation of law enforcement policies and procedures. The process of collecting, analyzing and publishing data on law enforcement practice promotes departmental integrity and allows law enforcement agencies the ability to self-assess and to continue to promote effective and unbiased policing. Internal Affairs It is the policy of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office to accept and investigate all complaints of agency and employee alleged misconduct or wrongdoing from any citizen, agency employee or any other sources, including anonymous sources. Following a thorough and impartial examination of the available factual information, a conclusion will be determined and the employee shall be either exonerated or held responsible for the alleged misconduct. Discipline shall be administered according to the degree of misconduct. Officers and employees, regardless of rank/position, shall be subject to disciplinary action for violating their oath and trust. Committing an offense punishable under the laws of the United States, the State of New Jersey, or county constitutes a violation of that oath and trust. Employees are also subject to disciplinary action for the willful or negligent failure to perform the duties of their rank or assignment. In addition, employees may be disciplined for violation of any rule or regulation of the agency or for failure to obey any lawful instruction, order, or command of a superior officer or supervisor. Disciplinary action in all matters will be determined based upon the merits of each case. Officers conducting the investigation of any allegation of misconduct shall strive to conduct a thorough and objective investigation respecting the rights of the principal, any other law enforcement officer, and all members of the public. Accordingly, any supervisor and any officer who may be called upon to conduct an internal investigation must be thoroughly familiar with the agency’s internal affairs policy. This policy has been developed in accordance with the New Jersey Attorney General’s guidelines on internal affairs. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact our Internal Affairs unit at 973.579.0850, ext. 2109. Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs 39 High Street Newton NJ 07860 Compliments and Complaints To effectively manage the performance of our officers, we like to be informed of any commendable conduct so that we can acknowledge them for a job well done and reinforce this kind of work performance. To submit a compliment, please utilize the “Contact Us” section at the bottom of any page. We treat all complaints equally regardless of whether or not they are filled out anonymously or with a name. However, please keep in mind that we can investigate best when we have all available information and have the ability to contact you with further questions, if needed. Internal Affairs Complaint Forms are available below in 11 different languages. Internal Affairs complaint forms may be submitted in person or by mail to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, 39 High Street, Newton NJ, 07860 during business hours. Alternatively, the complaint form may be submitted by calling (973) 579-0850 ext. 2109, or electronically via e-email to the Internal Affairs Unit here . Body Worn Cameras In compliance with the New Jersey Attorney General Issues Directive 2021-5 requiring notifying the public of the type of body cameras this agency is utilizing, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is currently utilizing Safe Fleet body worn cameras. See photographs below of our uniform as well as plain clothes officers. ComplimentsComplaints Public Announcement In compliance with Attorney General Grewal's Directive 2020-5 and Directive 2021-6 , which require law enforcement agencies to begin to publish, at least once a year, a brief synopsis of all complaints resulting in major discipline—defined as termination, reduction in rank or grade, and/or suspension of more than five days—including the names of the officers sanctioned, the Sussex County Sheriff's Office reports that no officers have received major discipline between June 15, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Downloads Internal Affairs Personnel Early Warning System Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy Interacting with the Immigrant Community Policy Recruitment and Diversity Plan 2025 Annual Internal Affairs Summary 2025 Annual Major Discipline Reporting 2024 Annual Internal Affairs Summary 2024 Annual Major Discipline Reporting 2023 Annual Internal Affairs Summary 2023 Annual Major Discipline Reporting 2022 Annual Internal Affairs Summary 2022 Annual Major Discipline Reporting 2021 Annual Internal Affairs Summary 2021 Annual Major Discipline Reporting 2020 Professional Standards Summary Report 2019 Professional Standards Summary Report 2018 Professional Standards Summary Report Complaint Forms: Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - English Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Arabic Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Chinese Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Haitian Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Hindi Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Korean Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Polish Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Portuguese Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Spanish Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Tagalog Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Vietnamese

Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces program milestone. < Back Sussex County TRIAD distributes 1,000th wristband Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces program milestone. Previous Next Sheriff Strada is pleased to announce that the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office/TRIAD organization recently distributed its 1,000th wristband. Ms. Eunice Howley of Andover Township was the recipient of the organization’s 1,000th wristband which marks a program milestone since its inception in April of 2014. Sussex County TRIAD provides black and gold silicone wristbands, free of charge to senior citizens of Sussex County, which are engraved with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office name and telephone number along with a registration number. The registration number corresponds to emergency contact information which can be provided to a first responder within Sussex County identifying the citizen in need who may be unable to communicate with the responder. Several businesses and individual donors are sponsoring the cost of the program. The successful implementation of this program was made possible, in large part, thanks to the generous donations of the following Sussex County businesses. The Senior Quality of Life Foundation Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home Smith-McCracken Funeral Home Arthur J. Gallagher & Company - George Morville The Mitchell Agency The Hampton Diner Deacon Homes If you are interested in learning more about the TRIAD program or are interested in sponsoring the wristband program, please contact Hilary Manser at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office at 973.579.0850, ext. 2114.

Lake Hopatcong Hit and Run Information Needed < Back Sussex County Sheriff’s Crimestoppers Lake Hopatcong Hit and Run Information Needed Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces that Crimestoppers and the Hopatcong Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the operator of a boat involved in a hit and run accident, which resulted in injuries, along with the suspect boat. On July 11th at approximately 9:40 p.m., while on Lake Hopatcong, the operator of the suspect boat struck the rear of a pontoon boat causing extensive damage, and then fled the scene. The crash happened near the River Styx Cove / Elba Point section of the lake. The suspect boat was last seen heading toward the direction of Halsey Island. The suspect boat was described as a white 20—foot speedboat with damage to the bow. type of boat that was involved in the accident Information or tips can be directed to Crimestoppers by calling 973-300-CRIME or our website here , the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau at 973-663-3400 or the Hopatcong PD at 973-398-5000. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Crimestoppers organization will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of criminals. At no time will anyone ask the tipsters name.

Join the race against crime on September 14, 2019 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. < Back Crime Stoppers 5K/12K race results Join the race against crime on September 14, 2019 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Previous Next Participants raced against crime at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 14, 2019. View the race results Thank you to our sponsors and all who took part in this great event. See you next year!

Arrested: Kurt A. Takach, age 45, of Montague, NJ. < Back DWI arrest in Wantage Arrested: Kurt A. Takach, age 45, of Montague, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, September 11, 2013, while assigned to countywide community policing duties, Sheriff’s Officer Johnny Swords observed a 2001 red colored Chevrolet pickup truck, operated by Kurt Takach, failing to maintain his lane and driving in excess of the posted speed limit. Officer Swords pulled the vehicle over and approached to speak with the driver. Upon speaking with Mr. Takach and observing him attempt to perform several basic sobriety tests, Officer Swords determined him to be intoxicated. Takach was subsequently arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Takach was charged with the following offenses: reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, failure to exhibit documents, DWI and speeding. He was given a future court date to appear in Wantage Municipal Court and released to the care of a responsible person. Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling and Sergeant John Gray assisted in the arrest.

Strada recently attended one of the nation’s most respected training opportunities available for sheriffs. < Back Sheriff Strada graduates leadership program Strada recently attended one of the nation’s most respected training opportunities available for sheriffs. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently attended and graduated from the National Sheriffs’ Institute in Aurora, Colorado. This no-cost program is sponsored by the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA). Sheriff Strada was one of twenty-nine sheriffs from throughout the United States who was chosen to attend this nationally recognized leadership training program. He was the first sheriff in Sussex County to attend and one of only a handful of sheriffs from the state of New Jersey. The week-long training focused on contemporary challenges facing America’s sheriffs today. Attendees explored the role of the local sheriff in providing effective leadership for the public good in such areas as public safety, criminal justice system policy, community relations and organization effectiveness and efficiency. Fred G. Wilson, NSA Director of Operations, said “Sheriff Strada is a leader with a vision for the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. It is an honor to have Sheriff Strada join the more than 2,500 graduates of the National Sheriffs’ Institute since 1973. The National Sheriffs’ Institute is the only national executive leadership program designed for sheriffs.”

Directions/Map Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility 41 High Street Newton, NJ 07860 From Northern NJ Take Route 80 West to Exit 25 (Route 206 North). Stay on Route 206 North for approximately 11 miles, to Newton. Route 206 North turns into Main Street as you approach downtown Newton. Take Main Street to the end. Turn left at the traffic light onto Spring Street (the square is on the left). From Spring Street, turn left onto High Street. You will see the Sussex County Judicial Center on your right. The jail is located directly behind the center, adjacent to the parking garage. From Trenton and Southern NJ Take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 127 (Route 287 North). From Route 287 North, take Exit 22B (Route 206 North). Proceed with step 2 from the Northern NJ directions above. From Southwest NJ Take the New Jersey Turnpike North to Exit 10 (Route 287 North). From Route 287 North, take Exit 22B (Route 206 North). Proceed with step 2 from the Northern NJ directions above.

Arrested: Charity Thompson, age 20 and Kevin J. Curran Jr., age 47, both of Newton, NJ. < Back Sheriff’s detective and officer arrest two in Newton Arrested: Charity Thompson, age 20 and Kevin J. Curran Jr., age 47, both of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Monday, July 29, 2013, while assigned to fugitive apprehension duties, Sheriff’s Detective William Lunger and Sheriff’s Officer Christopher Megna located Charity Thompson and Kevin J. Curran at separate locations within the town of Newton. Thompson and Curran were both the subjects of outstanding Superior Court warrants. Further investigation revealed Thompson was also the subject of an outstanding municipal warrant from Frankford Township Municipal Court. Both were taken into custody and transported to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where they were lodged without incident. Charity Thompson remains lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,000 bail on the Superior Court warrant and $500 bail on the Frankford Township Municipal warrant. Kevin J. Curran Jr. was released on his own recognizance the following day after appearing before the Hon. N. Peter Conforti, JSC.

A ten dollar fee per physician or dentist visit will be required. < Back Medical co-pay policy implemented for inmates A ten dollar fee per physician or dentist visit will be required. Previous Next Sheriff Michael Strada has announced the recent implementation of an inmate medical co-pay policy at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. Effective immediately, all inmates will be charged a ten dollar co-pay to see the physician or dentist. By establishing this co-pay, the sheriff’s office hopes to recoup some funds for medical costs and, more importantly, cut back on sick call abuse. Inmates with no funds available will not be denied visitation to the physician or dentist as state law requires that inmates be provided with healthcare. The sheriff’s office can, however, require an inmate to make this co-payment. It is expected that this new policy will be a money-saver.