BUFFALO, N.Y. – Michael Phillips, the Superintendent of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Jail Management Division, will retire on January 1st, Sheriff John Garcia announced today. Phillips has led the Division since Sheriff Garcia took office at the beginning of 2022.
In four years at the helm of the division in charge of operations at the Erie County Holding Center and Erie County Correctional Facility, Phillips has taken significant steps to assist Sheriff Garcia with his priority of modernizing the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. During his tenure, Department of Justice oversight of the Jail Management Division was terminated. A consent decree at the state level was similarly terminated. Phillips oversaw the rollout of the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program. Programming in general has expanded, resulting in decreased recidivism. In 2021, the recidivism rate was 67.3%; in 2024, the rate was 58.9%. Under his watch, the Correctional Health Division earned accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. Body-worn cameras were rolled out at both jail facilities, increasing transparency.
“As I look back at the last four years, I am proudest of the relationships we were able to cultivate with our partners in government,” said Superintendent Phillips. “When I took this job, it was clear that there was a need to work with the County Executive and County Legislature to accomplish what we sought to achieve. I thank them for working with us to move this Office forward. Most importantly, I thank Sheriff Garcia for giving me this opportunity. Under his leadership and the leadership of Undersheriff Cooley, this Office and the Jail Management Division are in good hands moving forward.”
“Michael Phillips has served honorably and with distinction,” said Sheriff Garcia. “Although the facilities we operate are outdated, antiquated and incompatible with modern correctional practices, he never let that get in the way of progress. Because of him, conditions for our working staff and incarcerated individuals have improved, and the stage is set for them to improve further in the years ahead. Mike, thank you for your service.”