Jackie Salvatore, the first woman of color to be elected Sheriff in New York State, joined Power & Politics for a wide ranging interview on Thursday evening.
Salvatore, a Democrat who had been Columbia County Undersheriff since 2022, was elected in November 2025.
Chapters:
Historic First & Early Months in Office
[0:00:00 – 0:04:30]
Becoming sheriff, being the first woman of color sheriff in NYS, key breaks in her career.
Women in Policing & Personal Identity
[0:04:30 – 0:06:30]
Changes for women in law enforcement, stereotypes, and separating the job from who you are.
Immigration, Warrants & Technology
[0:06:30 – 0:12:30]
Philosophy on ICE cooperation, jail vs. traffic-stop policies, and use of cameras for investigations—not immigration.
Community Roots, Culture & Recruitment
[0:12:30 – 0:21:00]
Being from Hudson, expectations of deputies, body cameras, community events, morale, and recruiting through positive engagement.
Race, Representation & Public Perception
[0:21:00 – 0:25:00]
Growing up with parents from segregated schools, becoming the sixth Black woman in NYSP, and seeing “people as people.”
Mental Health, Training & Safety
[0:25:00 – 0:27:30]
Mobile crisis response, why officers should still be present, and ongoing training with county mental health.
Opioids, Harm Reduction & Treatment in Jail
[0:27:30 – 0:31:00]
Overdose trends, medically assisted treatment in jail, access issues, and Narcan/harm-reduction philosophy.
Scams Against Seniors & Community Protection
[0:31:00 – 0:33:30]
Common scams, financial safeguards, and encouraging seniors to call police.
Vision for Columbia County & Success
[0:33:30 – 0:36:56]
Post‑COVID population shifts, why the job is rewarding, specialized units, and her definition of a successful department.
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