Robert Swenszkowski, Ph.D.

Biography

Dr. Robert Swenszkowski was appointed to the position of Assistant Sheriff in September 2018. This position provides administrative support to the Sheriff and Undersheriff. Swenszkowski served as Oneida County Undersheriff from 2011-2018 before retiring to take a full-time position with Utica University as a Professor of Practice in Criminal Justice. He has been a lifelong resident of Oneida County. He graduated from the Whitesboro Central School District in 1990 and attended Mohawk Valley Community College, where he graduated in 1992 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He also graduated from Columbia College, receiving both a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. In 2024, he received a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice from Liberty University, focusing his research on the relationship between citizen complaints against police and the education levels of police officers. 

In 1992, Swenszkowski became a Correction Officer with the Oneida County Sheriff's Office. While working at the Oneida County Correctional Facility, he became a New York State Certified Police and Corrections Instructor in general topics and firearms. He was also one of the first members of the jail's Sheriff's Emergency Response Team (SERT). He later became a Squad Leader of the 30-member unit. Asst. Sheriff Swenszkowski is certified in Critical Incident Stress Management & Group Crisis Intervention. He is a certified instructor in General Topics, Firearms, Electronic Control Devices, RADAR/LiDAR, Domestic Violence, and Active Shooter Emergency Response.

In 2002, he received a position as a Deputy Sheriff in the Civil Division, working as a plainclothes deputy until September 2006. While in the Civil Division, he graduated from the Mohawk Valley Police Academy as a New York State certified police officer and completed the N.Y.S. Sheriff's Association Basic Course for Civil Law Enforcement. Swenszkowski was an active member of the Sheriff's Honor Guard during his 14 years with the Agency. In September 2006, he became a Police Officer with the Village of New York Mills and was promoted to Chief of Police in July 2009, where he managed the sworn and civilian staff of the police department. 

During his cumulative career with the Sheriff's Office, the Assistant Sheriff has received various awards and citations such as; Educational Achievement (3 times), Executive Education Citation, Honorable Service (2 times), Exceptional Duty (3 times), Good Conduct Citation (4 times), Ready Commendation, Promotion of Grade, 2014 & 2018 Presidential Security Detail Citations, Grand Cordon (11 times), Distinguished Volunteer, Drug Buster, The Oneida County Executive Officials Medal, Sheriff's Special Recognition, the Sheriff's Achievement Award, and myriad other letters of commendation and recognition.

Assistant Sheriff Swenszkowski is currently the Secretary of the Oneida County Sheriff's Law Enforcement Association. He also serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of ICAN (Integrated Community Alternatives Network). The Assistant Sheriff is also a member of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and a Professional Member of the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society.