Sheriff Bob Austino
ABOUT ME
Sheriff Robert A. Austino brings over 45 years of law enforcement experience to the Sheriff’s Office. He was hired by the Vineland Police Department in 1973. He worked his way up the ranks of the Vineland Police Department to the rank of Lieutenant.
He was elected Sheriff of Cumberland and took office on January 1, 2009.
As Sheriff, he established the T.R.I.A.D. Program. This program is a crime prevention and safety program for people over 55 aimed to teach older adults ways to prevent becoming a victim of crime. T.R.I.A.D. seeks to build partnerships between senior citizens and law enforcement to share information on how seniors can avoid becoming victims of crime and enhance the safety and quality of their lives.
Sheriff Austino created the Sheriff’s Police Explorer Program to provide the youth of Cumberland County. This program provides positive interaction with the youth and shares information on careers in law enforcement.
He re-established and increased the K-9 Department. The K-9 Division assist law enforcement throughout the county and state on a host of initiatives ranging from patrol to homeland security initiatives.
His commitment to the community has led to a model program where members of the Sheriff Department assist with the M25 Program to prevent homelessness in Cumberland County.
Under his administration, they became the and accredited law enforcement agency after passing through the rigorous review by the N.J. Chiefs’ of Police Association.
He is a Past President of the N.J. Constitutional Officers Association, Past President of the Fraternal Order of Police, Cumberland County Lodge#8, and President of the Vineland Superior Officers Association. He is a member of International Chiefs’ of Police Association, National Sheriff’s Association, N.J. Sheriff’s Association, Cumberland County Human Relations Commission, and Youth Services Advisory Council.
His motto of a “Partnership with the Community” has
greatly assisted in breaking down barriers between the community and his law enforcement agency.
Partnership With Community
This community has always been important to me. As I get older, I realize more and more what it really means. In my career, I've focused on creating a partnership between the police force and our residents.
Creating lasting relationships and even more importantly, being available to listen and communicate with those in the community that need an advocate is always at the forefront. I work hard everyday to ensure that this is my legacy as a professional, because it's part of who I am in every aspect of life.