The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office’s “Handle with Care” initiative has recently expanded into the Wyandanch Union Free School District.
The program was first piloted with the Huntington School District in September 2025 and was recently expanded to the Central Islip School District. The “Handle with Care” model is designed to ensure schools are discreetly notified when a child may have been exposed to a traumatic, law-enforcement-involved incident outside of school.
Through this partnership, the Sheriff’s Office will notify designated school officials whenever a child is present at the scene of an incident. No details of the event will be shared, only the address and the phrase, “Handle with Care.” This discreet notification allows school personnel to be aware that a student may need extra patience, understanding, or support that day. Once notified, educators can respond appropriately, from simple classroom accommodations such as flexibility with assignments or testing, to connecting families with additional support services when needed.
“The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is proud to expand this and further our partnership with the Wyandanch School District,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “We have seen firsthand that this program gives us a simple, confidential way to help children who may need extra patience and compassion because of a situation at home.”
“Our district is committed to supporting students and families not only in their education, but in all aspects of their well-being,” said Wyandanch Union Free School District Superintendent Dr. Erik Wright. “We are grateful for this partnership with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, which provides an additional layer of communication to help us respond with care and understanding when students may be experiencing the effects of a traumatic situation. This collaboration equips our educators with the awareness needed to meet students where they are and reinforces the importance of prioritizing their social-emotional needs.”
The Sheriff’s Office maintains a strong partnership with the Wyandanch School District and recently implemented the Sheriff’s Office Student Ambassador Program at both the high school and middle school to build a relationship between students and law enforcement. The goal of the “Handle with Care” collaboration is to further expand the Sheriff’s Office’s outreach, assistance, and trust within the community.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office regularly interacts with children during civil actions, warrant service, traffic stops, and community events. These interactions can be stressful for young people and may affect their behavior or academic performance. The “Handle with Care” program ensures schools are aware, without sharing sensitive details, so educators can respond with care and compassion.
“As this program continues to grow, I welcome more districts to sign on so we can continue to expand it across Suffolk County, building stronger connections between law enforcement and schools and most importantly ensuring that children are supported with care,” Toulon said.
There are plans to expand the “Handle with Care” program to additional school districts in the coming months. For more information on this program or the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, please visit www.suffolksheriff.com or email SheriffPIO@SuffolkCountyny.gov.