Suffolk County            Sheriff's Office

At-Risk Youth Jail Tour

A growing number of Suffolk County`s youth are in danger of falling prey to criminal and gang activity. Young teens especially face peer pressures that often make them act in ways that help them become “accepted” by a group, but they have no idea about the consequences of their behavior. As a result, many young people at an early age begin what may become a painful life of criminal behavior. The goal of the At-Risk Youth Jail Tour is to educate youth about the potential consequences of poor choices. The program stresses education and reality,” said Sheriff Toulon. "By giving kids a realistic view of what lies ahead if they cross that line, we hope that it will leave a strong impact in their minds to stop them from engaging in criminal acts." The program stresses education, communication and accountability.

The Suffolk County Sheriff`s Office has launched a new initiative allowing parents to accompany their kids into the facility for a personal jail tour by special appointment ONLY.

The tour is designed to be interactive, taking participants through each step of the arrest and intake process as it actually occurs. Participants are processed through the fingerprinting and mug shots area. Participants also gather in the jail`s Chapel area where several inmates volunteer to speak to them about the consequences of making poor choices. The inmate’s “How I Got to This Point In My Life ” talk gives the participants a realistic view of how accountability for one`s actions sometimes means arrest and incarceration.

At-risk Youth Jail tours are by appointment ONLY. A parent or legal guardian must accompany their child through the facility. Call the Community Relations Unit for additional information at 631-852-5611.