Jackie Salvatore, Columbia County Sheriff, March 13th, 2026

Jackie Salvatore, the first woman of color to be elected Sheriff in New York State, joined Power & Politics for a wide ranging interview on Thursday evening. Salvatore, a Democrat who had been Columbia County Undersheriff since 2022, was elected in November 2025.  Chapters: Historic First & Early Months in Office [0:00:00 – 0:04:30] Becoming sheriff, being the first woman of color sheriff in NYS, key breaks in her career. Women in Policing & Personal Identity [0:04:30 – 0:06:30] Changes for women in law enforcement, stereotypes, and separating the job from who you are. Immigration, Warrants & Technology [0:06:30 – 0:12:30] Philosophy on ICE cooperation, jail vs. traffic-stop policies, and use of cameras for investigations—not immigration. Community Roots, Culture & Recruitment [0:12:30 – 0:21:00] Being from Hudson, expectations of deputies, body cameras, community events, morale, and recruiting through positive engagement. Race, Representation & Public Perception [0:21:00 – 0:25:00] Growing up with parents from segregated schools, becoming the sixth Black woman in NYSP, and seeing “people as people.” Mental Health, Training & Safety [0:25:00 – 0:27:30] Mobile crisis response, why officers should still be present, and ongoing training with county mental health. Opioids, Harm Reduction & Treatment in Jail [0:27:30 – 0:31:00] Overdose trends, medically assisted treatment in jail, access issues, and Narcan/harm-reduction philosophy. Scams Against Seniors & Community Protection [0:31:00 – 0:33:30] Common scams, financial safeguards, and encouraging seniors to call police. Vision for Columbia County & Success [0:33:30 – 0:36:56] Post‑COVID population shifts, why the job is rewarding, specialized units, and her definition of a successful department. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices