Joined by the family of Kathy Bishop on the morning of Wednesday, October 29th, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. announced the opening of his Domestic Violence Bureau’s new office space.
The press conference was held at approximately 11 a.m., and took place in the District Court Complex on Carleton Avenue in Central Islip, where the office is also now located. The opening follows substantial county-led renovations made to accommodate a growing staff and caseload.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony also coincided with the conclusion of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
According to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, the Domestic Violence Bureau is responsible for serving Orders of Protection and Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO), commonly referred to as the “Red Flag” law.
In 2025 alone, the Bureau has served close to 5,000 Orders of Protection and more than 1,800 ERPOs.
In 2024, Sheriff Toulon announced an expansion in both staffing and office space to meet the increased workload.
Today, Suffolk County leads the state in the issuance of successful ERPOs.
“These Deputies perform an incredibly dangerous job, often entering homes where weapons may be present and situations can quickly become volatile and unpredictable,” said Sheriff Toulon.
“I’m proud of the courage and dedication they show every day to keep our residents safe. I’m especially proud that we can dedicate this space in memory of Kathy Bishop, keeping her legacy alive by protecting even more victims of Domestic Violence.”
Bishop’s tragic murder served as the catalyst for the Sheriff’s Office to begin serving Orders of Protection in September 1992. Prior to that, Suffolk residents were responsible for serving their own.
Bishop—maiden name Germaine—was denied an order of protection against her husband, who ultimately killed her days later in July 1992.
Never again, says this latest action by local law enforcement.