Sheriff Craig Apple: Deputies Jump Jobs For Higher Pay

The starting pay of an Albany County sheriff's deputy is $35,700 annually, but the rate doesn't rise above $50,000 for five years. The sheriff is taking the unusual step of calling for higher deputy pay while the county is continuing talks for a new union contract with Council 82, the union representing deputies. In the last 15 months, the Watervliet Police Department has hired eight officers from other agencies – one who was an Albany County deputy – which helped avoid the time and cost of training recruits who lack the experience required for a robust department, Acting Chief Lt.