The Municipal Security Unit was started in 2017, coordinated by Sheriff Robert Maciol, Undersheriff Robert Swenszkowski, and Whitesboro School Superintendent David Langone, in the wake of the increase in active shooter incidents across the country. The initial incorporation of using Special Patrol Officers under the authority of New York State General Municipal Law 209-v, allowed the Sheriff's Office to reinstate retired Peace and Police Officers, on a part-time basis, to provide security on municipal properties. Fourteen Special Patrol Officers were contracted through the Whitesboro School District to provide security to students, faculty, and staff, at seven campuses. The initiative was so successful that the unit was expanded to provide security to a number of county properties as well.
In 2018 County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. created an initiative with Sheriff Maciol to provide partial funding for all school districts in Oneida County to incorporate the use of Special Patrol Officers for security on their campuses. This led to nearly every school district in the county utilizing Special Patrol Officers. Currently, there are over 90 Special Patrol Officers employed with the Sheriff's Office serving at the following locations:
