05/26/2026
The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office would like to clarify misinformation being circulated by some social media sources regarding the responsibility for public information releases involving criminal investigations conducted by other law enforcement agencies within Tompkins County.
Each law enforcement agency is independently responsible for the investigation of incidents occurring within its jurisdiction, as well as for the release of information related to those investigations.
Municipal police departments, state agencies, and other law enforcement entities maintain their own command structures, investigative authority, and public information processes. As such, it is not the responsibility or authority of the Sheriff or the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office to issue media releases, provide updates, or speak on behalf of another agency’s active investigation unless specifically requested to do so by that agency. Any level of assistance provided by our Office would not change this fact.
The Sheriff’s Office has no means to know the details, witness or suspect statements, or ongoing efforts of any investigation being handled by another agency. Therefore, it is impossible to relate any information accurately and safely. We have complete confidence in our fellow law enforcement agencies to release relevant information when practical, possible, and necessary.
While the Sheriff’s Office routinely works cooperatively with our local law enforcement partners through mutual aid, operational support, and interagency coordination, investigative ownership and public communications remain with the primary agency handling the incident. In circumstances where another agency requests assistance with disseminating information, the Sheriff’s Office may do so as a courtesy. Likewise, other agencies do not issue public statements regarding investigations carried out by our office.
We remain committed to professionalism, transparency, and maintaining strong partnerships with all public safety agencies throughout Tompkins County. We encourage members of the public and media outlets to seek information regarding specific investigations directly from the agency leading that investigation to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
We urge the public to remain cautious of information being inappropriately shared as factual by social media groups that may not be legitimate news sources.
A link to G.O. 500 Media Relations can be found here.
Derek R. Osborne - Tompkins County Sheriff