Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. announced the expansion of the Sheriff’s Office “Handle with Care” initiative to the Wyandanch Union Free School District, continuing an effort to support students exposed to traumatic experiences outside the classroom.
The program, first piloted in the Huntington School District in September 2025 and later expanded to Central Islip, creates a discreet line of communication between law enforcement and schools. When deputies respond to an incident where a child is present, designated school officials receive a notification with only the address and the phrase “Handle with Care,” without further details.
“The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is proud to expand this and further our partnership with the Wyandanch School District,” Toulon said. “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.”
The notification allows educators to provide flexibility with assignments, adjust expectations, or connect families with counseling and support services. “As this program continues to grow, I welcome more districts to sign on so we can continue to expand it across Suffolk County,” Toulon added, “building stronger connections between law enforcement and schools and most importantly ensuring that children are supported with care.”
Wyandanch Superintendent Dr. Erik Wright said the district views the partnership as an important tool in addressing students’ overall well-being. “Our district is committed to supporting students and families not only in their education, but in all aspects of their well-being,” Wright said.
“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,” Wright added. “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 plans to expand the program to additional districts in the coming months.