Niagara Sheriff Tapped to Run Jail Commission

By REUVEN BLAU

Governor Spitzer Feb. 21 nominated Thomas Beilein to chair the state Commission of Correction, which oversees the operation and management of local correctional facilities and treatment centers.

Mr. Beilein, who has nearly four decades of service with the Niagara County Sheriff's Department, will monitor the care, treatment, and discipline inmates receive.

Knows the Territory

"Sheriff Beilein is intimately familiar with the challenges faced by counties and sheriffs' departments in building new facilities and meeting inmate capacity needs," Governor Spitzer said in a statement. "He is also acutely aware of other issues facing the correctional system, including mental health issues, the provision of medical care, and officer training and safety."

The Governor also noted that Sheriff Beilein was supported by 39 sheriffs from across the state, as well as the executive director of the New York State Sheriffs' Association.

Mr. Beilein began his career in Niagara County as Deputy Sheriff in 1969. He is trained in drug-enforcement administration, basic homicide investigation and major-case management, the state said.

The commission's current chair, Daniel Stewart, will continue to serve on the commission, which will provide for a "seamless transition," Mr. Spitzer said. Sheriff Beilein's appointment is subject to confirmation by the State Senate. The chairman's salary is $101,600 annually.