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Brian RobisonTompkins County Sheriff Ken Lansing, reelected Tuesday, today announced a Sheriff's Office reorganization in preparation for his second term of office.

Anticipating the planned retirement of Undersheriff Derek Osborne during 2015, Sheriff Lansing announced his appointment of Tompkins County Legislator Brian Robison as Undersheriff.  Consistent with the County's strategy of succession planning for management personnel, he said Mr. Robison will begin service prior to Undersheriff Osborne's retirement to ensure a smooth transition.

Mr. Robison, a retired police investigator, with 21years of service with the Ithaca Police Department, has served on the County Legislature since 2010, representing District 9 (Town of Groton and portions of the Towns of Dryden and Lansing.)  He has chaired the Legislature's Public Safety Committee since 2013 and has served on the budget committee during his entire time on the Legislature.  Since retiring from the police department, Mr. Robison has operated a private investigative and security company.  Mr. Robison will resign from the County Legislature later this month.

"I am very proud of what this Office has accomplished over the past four years," said Sheriff Lansing.  "I intend to build on that record in my next term, and believe that Brian Robison is uniquely positioned to help carry the department to the next level of professionalism, service, and responsiveness to the needs of the community.  Derek Osborne will surely be missed.  He has made many contributions throughout his career at the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office."

Mr. Robison announced his resignation at today's meeting of the County Legislature.  Under County law, a special election to fill the District 9 seat on the Legislature must be held within 75 days of when the position becomes vacant.

"I am looking forward to returning to law enforcement and the opportunity to work with Sheriff Lansing," said Robison.  "I believe that my experience in police work, private business, and as a County legislator has given me important insights into the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, and will allow me to immediately contribute to Sheriff Lansing's efforts."

Legislature Chair Mike Lane commended Sheriff Lansing for the appointment.  "Brian has been an excellent chair of Public Safety and a productive member of our County Legislature.  We will miss him in his legislative role, but are confident that his professional skill and insight will continue to benefit the County and its residents through this new leadership role at our Sheriff's Office."

The Sheriff's Office oversees a budget of $9.3 million and a staff of 88.  The office operates a road patrol and civil operation, and operates a jail with a permitted capacity of 93.

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