Explore every episode of the podcast BEHIND THE BADGE WITH MCSO

Project Lifesaver helps bring peace of mind to families and caregivers of individuals living with cognitive conditions such as Autism, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Down Syndrome.

Sheriff Baxter sits down with Deputies Priolo and Valvassori to discuss how the program works.

Project Lifesaver is an important tool that, when combined with our K9 and Drone resources, helps deputies quickly and safely locate vulnerable individuals who may wander.

Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter sits down with two of our faith leaders who contract with the Sheriff's Office to offer spiritual guidance to incarcerated individuals who seek it. While there are several faith-based leaders, Sheriff speaks with Pastor Donald Stevens of the Baptist Ministers Alliance and Rabbi Ohr Zohar with Temple Sinai.

As we celebrate National Reentry Week 2026 beginning April 23rd, we want to recognize the Reentry Association of Western New York (RAWNY) and the great work they do to reintroduce incarcerated individuals into our community.

Watch as Sheriff Baxter talks with RAWNY Executive Director Yari Rivera and Jermaine Jennings, a RAWNY success story.

Reentry doesn't have to mean starting over alone. RAWNY connects people returning from incarceration with housing, jobs, healthcare, and community support—so they can build stable, thriving lives.

Handicap parking spaces are reserved for individuals with disabilities who rely on them for safe and accessible access to businesses, services, and daily activities. Parking in a handicap space without proper authorization can prevent someone from safely exiting and entering their vehicle.

Watch as Sheriff Baxter sits down with Sgt. Mackin to talk about a parking detail Sgt. Mackin spearheaded to enforce handicap parking laws. We believe all individuals in our community should be treated with dignity, and fairness and their rights protected.

Our Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office assists our deputies with “eyes in the sky” to conduct aerial searches in the case of missing persons, wanted individuals, or critical incident scenes.  These “drones” are an asset to our agency in providing a bird’s eye view of a scene unfolding on the ground.

At the same time, we are developing our Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) and conducting a comprehensive study to ensure we are prepared to safely and effectively address emerging threats while protecting the public and critical infrastructure. Across the United States, drones have been used to smuggle contraband into correctional facilities, conduct surveillance of sensitive locations, disrupt emergency operations, and violate restricted airspace.

For more on the C-UAS Executive Summary: bit.ly/4uS11Nl

MCSO is happy to partner again this year with Uniting & Healing Through Hope to support its 2026 Easter Food Drive and Boxing Extravaganza. The Easter Food Drive is in need of donated non-perishable items to help feed thousands of hungry individuals and families in our community. Together, we are able to provide nourishing meals to those in need during this season of spirituality. The drive is also in need of volunteers for the events. For more information on how you can support these causes visit: www.unitingthroughhope.com

These guys and gals are incredible at what they do - attending to and fixing, when necessary, the equipment and systems that make our jail tick on a daily basis 24/7. Their work also contributes greatly to the safety of the incarcerated individuals housed in the Monroe County Jail and all those who work inside.

Listen in as Sheriff Baxter talks to two of our members who are integral parts of the process, MCSO Sgt. Mascho and Jim Matrachisia. Thank you to this team for all you do!

Sheriff Baxter sits down with Monroe County Legislature President Yversha Roman and Legislator Santos Cruz to discuss the current climate we are experiencing in our nation and here at home.We are working with our community to build relationships and develop trust in an effort to ease individuals who may be feeling anxious or unsafe. These conversations are already underway with our community leaders and many community groups to build and develop that trust, as well as to help answer any questions as it pertains to public safety.

Let's work together - it's been an exceptionally cold and snowy winter. MCSO and snow removal companies ask for your time, space and patience while we work to clear our roads and parking lots in an effort to keep our community safe and get you where you need to go.

Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter sits down with Sean Fico of A.P. Enterprises to learn how we can help one another be safe this snowy season and share the road.

Learn about common scams and the ever-evolving tactics used by scammers to target seniors, and in some instances, rob them of their life savings. Sheriff Baxter sits down with Dan Lyon of Lifespan for some great advice for our viewer.Help is available. Call 9-1-1 to report a scam. Call Lifespan at 585-244-8400.For more info: http://lifespan-roch.org/scams-consumer-protection

We are excited to launch the SHIELD Program: Sheriff’s Initiative for Education and Leadership DevelopmentA vision in the making for a few years, this anti-poverty initiative aims to diversify our agency while encouraging our young people to serve their community in this noble profession.We are always looking to hire great public servants whose heart is in the mission. A test-product currently, the goal is to learn and make necessary improvements in an effort to open the opportunity up globally in the near future.For more information: SHIELD@monroecounty.gov

Sheriff Baxter meets with registered nurses who speak on behalf of many health care workers who experience violence in the workplace from the very patients they are trying to help.

As we prepare to mark the 10th Anniversary of the Scotty B. Overdose Awareness event, watch as Sheriff Todd Baxter speaks with the mother of fatal overdose victim Scotty Baker. Becky Baker has been passionate about the opioid epidemic since losing her son to the disease on February 22, 2016. Also hear from another mother of a young man in recovery from substance abuse, Lisa Erne. Additionally, we hear first-hand about the road to recovery from Gary Harding, Co-founder and volunteer at Recovery Always.

The Scotty B. Overdose Awareness event is Thursday, August 28, 2025; 3pm - 8pm at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Rochester, NY.

We are constantly looking for professional women and men to join our law enforcement teams. Recruitment is underway for both the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and the Rochester Police Department. Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter sits down with MCSO Recruitment Deputy Tschorke and RPD Recruitment Officer Calderon to learn more about how you can join our teams!

NEW Quick Hit "Behind the Badge with MCSO" PodcastNYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) employees who may be looking for a new opportunity are finding a new beginning here at MCSO. Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter sits down with Deputy Champagne, who recently made the move. Learn what it takes to make a smooth transition, the opportunities available at MCSO, and the culture of our agency.

Join Our Team: www.joinmcso.org

“Behind the Badge with MCSO” Podcast Episode #140 – Fire Protectives.

If you have a heart for volunteerism and service to community, there is a great opportunity waiting for you! 

Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and “Behind the Badge with MCSO” Co-host, Deputy Sanders Tisdale, learn more about Fire Protectives from two long-standing and outstanding members, Deputy Jamie Owen and Laurie Kingsley-Henry.

As we continue our conversation about the importance of wellness and listening to a victim's perspective, we re-introduce MCSO Sgt. Zimmerman and his sister, Linda Feig Knipe, author of "Braving Therapy."Watch "Braving Therapy" Part 2, as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter has an in-depth dialogue with Ms. Knipe about her journey from crime victim....to survivor.

We also learn how Ms. Knipe's experience helped shape her brother's law enforcement career, and the impact it's had on how Sgt. Zimmerman works with the victims he encounters on a daily basis.

Watch our two part-series “BravingTherapy” as Sheriff Todd Baxter sits down with author Linda Feig Knipe who sharesher journey from crime victim to survivor.

Ms. Knipe’s brother is MCSO Sgt.Zimmerman. His sister’s experience and her bravery to seek therapy has shapedthe way Sgt. Zimmerman works with victims in the scope of his job. By sharingher story, Ms. Knipe hopes to help other crime survivors and encourage othersto value the importance of a victim’s perspective.

Predicate Felon Held in the Monroe County Jail on no bail/no release after shooting and injuring a 9 year-old boy in a Henrietta Convenience Store. Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter reacts to the senseless shooting.

Sheriff Baxter and the newest member of the Western District of New York Human Trafficking Task Force, Deputy Keith Beer, react to the federal conviction of a man MCSO arrested for sex trafficking.

Listen as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and Co-host Deputy Sanders Tisdale delve into the Statewide Automated Biometric Identification System (S.A.B.I.S.) with Manager Michael VanRoo.

Learn more about how S.A.B.I.S. works and how it acts as a valuable tool for law enforcement and our community.

You often don't see them, because they work behind the camera, however MCSO Police Digital Technicians Ray Montinarello and Michael Jaeger are an integral part of the MCSO Communications Team. On this edition of "Behind the Badge with MCSO," watch as Undersheriff Korey Brown turns the tables and interviews the individuals who are usually interviewing others. Ray and Mike also manage the MCSO Body Worn Camera Program. Oh....and did we mention they love to laugh, a welcome addition to the MCSO family.

The Court Security Bureau is one of five bureaus at the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Chief Dale Erne oversees the bureau, responsible for the physical protection of the judiciary, court personnel, attorneys, witnesses, juries, and all individuals who have court business within the Monroe County Civic Center complex and the NYS Supreme Court 4th Department Appellate Courthouse. 

Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and Co-host, Deputy Sanders Tisdale, explore the intricacies of the bureau with the Chief.

He was cool before PR was en vogue. On this edition of the "Behind the Badge with MCSO" Podcast, if you don't already know him, meet "Uncle Phil" Salamone.

Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and Co-host Deputy Sanders Tisdale interview the Rochester icon who is usually making sure everyone has a great day in our community. Whether working security at the Kodak Center, Rochester Amerks, Lilac Festival, or working as a parking attendant at Innovative Field, home of the Rochester Red Wings, (and so many other ROC venues), "Uncle Phil" makes you feel welcome and at home. His signature line, "Uncle Phil Loves You" is uniquely his and has a way of warming everyone's heart.

Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and Co-host, Deputy Sanders Tisdale, pour their attention into the "Coffee Connection - Project Empower." This women-managed and run coffee shop works with recovering addicts to employ those who once struggled with addiction, transforming lives. Hear from Executive Director Joy Bergfalk and employee Genia Collyer and the connections they make within our community; helping others to maintain sobriety and live a healthy life.

Sacrifice and Service. Two words our MCSO deputies and Veterans live by. Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and Co-host, Deputy Sanders Tisdale, talk with Veteran and MCSO Deputy John DeMarco and Laura Heltz, Executive Director of the Veterans Outreach Center. The VOC continues to provide essential services for veterans in need in our community. We learn from both Deputy DeMarco and Ms. Heltz what it means to put service before self.

New York State experienced six massive reforms to criminal justice since 2018. One we are familiar with is bail reform, which was implemented in the last quarter of 2019. Data for the nine years preceding bail reform and the four years post bail reform illustrates violent crime is still significantly high. A major tenet of bail reform was the edict of Least Restrictive Means, directing that a judge will impose the least restrictive conditions necessary to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court. Though the term was removed by the Governor in the budget process, the culture and many of the major tenets of the law created by legislators exist. To learn more, visit a new page on our website, the Sheriff’s Initiative for Public Safety (SIPS): https://t.co/DwBAznww5J

Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and Co-host Deputy Sanders Tisdale talk with MCSO New Commander Patricio Rojas. Learn more about the role as well as the man holding the position, Commander Rojas.

Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and MCSO Lt. Matt MacKenzie and Deputy Matt Whiting showcase our Motorcycle Unit. Motorcycles have been a part of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office for more than a century. They assist during community events, such as parades, and patrol paths, such as the Erie Canal, where patrol cars might not easily be able to access. Our motorcycle unit helps to keep our community safe through enforcement and easy access to challenging environments.

Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and guest co-host, former 13WHAM television news anchor Ginny Ryan, talk with former 13WHAM television news anchor, Don Alhart. Celebrating 58 years of service to community, Mr. Alhart retired on the same day that he began at the station: June 6, 1966 - June 6, 2024.

Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter talks with the Reentry Associates of Western New York (RAWNY). MCSO partners with this agency in the Monroe County Jail in an effort to help incarcerated individuals make a productive transition back into society upon release from Jail. MCSO Director of Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Joel Yager and RAWNY Program Director, Yari Rivera, and their teams help to prepare incarcerated individuals with the tools they need for success.

What an awesome opportunity to showcase the New York State Sheriffs' Institute Summer Camp, a gem located on the shores of Keuka Lake. In this Special Edition of the "Behind the Badge with MCSO" Podcast, watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter explores this amazing summer camp that welcomes adolescents from throughout NYS, who for economic reasons, might not otherwise get a chance to attend a camp. On location, with beautiful Keuka Lake as a backdrop, Sheriff Baxter sits down with NYSSI Executive Director Chris O'Brien, Deputies Neale and Jenkins who are assigned to the Camp, and one of the campers, Juliet.

The tables are turned! Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter flips the interview switch on three guys who are used to hosting their own Podcast. Sheriff, (a former Rochester Police Captain), sits down with the Crime Dawg Podcast Founder and Hosts, Johnny Fiorica, David Simpson, and Jason Blanchard, all of whom are either current or retired officers with the Rochester Police Department. Get ready to laugh as these law enforcement officers and former colleagues talk shop, swap stories and have a good time!

The MCSO Teen Police Academy is a great opportunity for young people to build confidence, while learning good decision-making and leadership skills. We recently graduated 21 students in our Teen Police Academy Class #20, who successfully completed our one-week introduction to law enforcement course. Congratulations also to Teen Police Academy Class #21, completing the same course this summer. Watch as Undersheriff Korey Brown sits down with Community Engagement Deputy Payne and Deputy Napier, who once attended the Teen Police Academy, before continuing on to pursue a career with MCSO. For more information about the MCSO Teen Police Academy: https://bit.ly/45ZqUif

"Behind the Badge with MCSO" NEW Video Podcast Episode #125 - Pines Games. Watch as Guest Host, PIO Deputy Brendan Hurley, talks about the Pines Games, happening every Tuesday & Thursday throughout the summer at the Pines of Perinton. It's an opportunity for children and adolescents who reside at the Pines in the Town of Perinton to interact with law enforcement in a positive light while having fun and building encouraging relationships. Deputy Hurley sits down with our A-Zone Community Engagement Deputy, Todd Thurston, Town of Perinton, New York Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, Jeffrey Nutting, and Stacey Thompson, Senior Community Coordinator at the Pines, to learn more about the games.

Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter talks with MCSO Lt. Andrew Soike, Monroe County Assistant Fire Coordinator Derek Hardy, and Monroe County EMS Medical Director Dr. Jeremy Cushman about their roles with the Rescue Task Force; a three-prong approach to responding to critical incidents and large-scale emergencies incorporating law enforcement, fire and EMS.

Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter sits down with Monroe County Executive Adam Bello to discuss the State of Monroe County, specifically the Public Safety aspect. Sheriff Baxter and County Executive Bello talk about current crime trends, as well as issues related to law enforcement, and the state of our community when it comes to protecting and serving the citizens who call Monroe County "home."

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office welcomes our community's senior citizens to learn about the Sheriff's Office, how it works, the various units, and ask questions of our agency. The academies are run by our three Community Engagement Deputies, representing the three zone substations. Watch as Monroe County Undersheriff Korey Brown chats with the Community Engagement Deputy in A-Zone, representing Monroe County's East-side, Deputy Todd Thurston, Joel Freeman with the Penfield Recreation Center, and Jan Guldbeck, one of the seniors attending the Senior Citizen Academy.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has two Commercial Vehicle deputies who conduct inspections on large vehicles to ensure everyone on the road is safe. Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and Co-Host Deputy Sanders Tisdale talk with Deputies Gulisano and Sanfilippo about the importance of their work to keep the economy moving.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office has three Community Engagement Deputies, one assigned to each of our Zone Substations. These deputies are liaisons to our community, offering crime prevention programs and services to aid citizens. They are ready to assist and serve our community leaders in each of the zones, working with school districts, community groups and the citizens we serve. Watch as Undersheriff Korey Brown talks about the role of these public servants with Community Engagement Deputies Jonathan Payne, Kelly Valvassori and Todd Thurston.

April is Autism Awareness Month. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office has three Autism Community Liaisons who serve as a link between the MCSO and our community. One of those liaisons, guest host Deputy Brendan Hurley, shares more information about our partnership with Autism Up's Full Life Academy. Deputy Hurley speaks with Full Life Academy student Noah Smith, Autism Up Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Ponticello, and Bill Moran, Host of Billified: The Bill Moran Podcast.

How cool!!! Rochester, NY sits directly in the path of totality of the Solar Eclipse happening on April 8, 2024. At 3:20 p.m., our region will experience 3 minutes and 38 seconds of complete totality! Learn more about the safety plan the Monroe County Sheriff's Office has for this event, including important traffic reminders and advice as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and Co-host, Deputy Sanders Tisdale, interview MCSO Special Operations Unit Lt. Andrew Soike.

Watch or listen in as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and Co-host Deputy Sanders Tisdale learn more about A-Zone Captain Kevin Schoepfel and what it takes to police the substation covering the east-side of Monroe County. Captain Schoepfel shares his experiences, love for the job, as well as challenges.

February marks Black History Month. Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and Co-host Deputy Sanders Tisdale talk with MCSO Community Affairs Executive Dr. Torrance Jones and Pastor Donald Stevens of Helping Hands Missionary Baptist Church about celebrating and recognizing Black History Month all year.

"When I think what does it mean to me? I am black history, ya know on a personal level," said Dr. Torrance Jones, MCSO Community Affairs Director. "I remember, just my mother and father, they grew up in the South and they grew up actually in segregated schools. So they did not grow up in a system where schools are integrated when it comes to black and white."

Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and Co-host Deputy Sanders Tisdale talk with Lt. Mackenzie who oversees the MCSO Snowmobile and Track Vehicle Unit. These vehicles aid deputies and our community in many ways, to include assisting during challenging weather conditions, missing persons cases, and at times, investigatory purposes and so much more.

Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and Podcast Co-host Deputy Sanders Tisdale sit down with MCSO Sgt. CJ Zimmerman and Public Information Officer, Deputy Brendan Hurley to learn more about the MCSO Attempt to Identify Social Media postings and the partnership with MCSO Communications to engage the community.

Stolen vehicles. Will insurance cover it? Sheriff Baxter talks with Nicholas Pagano of the Elmwood Agency and Evan Stark of the Bob Johnson Auto Group about stolen vehicles and the impact on insurance, car dealerships and you the consumer.

Watch as Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and guest co-host, Sgt. Mike Zamiara, discuss the role of the Part-time Road Patrol deputy with Deputy Joe Resch.

Consider joining our Police Bureau part-time if you have a desire to serve our community, are looking to off-set your full-time career, or are interested in only working a few hours a week. It's a great opportunity!

Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and Co-host Deputy Sanders Tisdale discuss Jail Academy Class #53 with Class Counselor Deputy Story and Class Captain, Recruit Deputy Rivera. The discussion centers around the role of both positions and the impact they have on new incoming recruits.

Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and Guest Co-host, PIO Deputy Brendan Hurley discuss the U.S. Marshal Service Task Force and the importance of the fugitive Crime Watch Flyers with former Task Force Member, Deputy Matt Young.