Joseph M. Graff
Joseph M. Graff was elected Sheriff of Genesee County in 2025, with 25 years of experience in local law enforcement in Genesee County. He began his law enforcement career in March 1999 as a Probation Officer, and in February 2004, was appointed Deputy Sheriff with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. In 2015, he was promoted to the position of Investigator, and in 2017, he was promoted to the position of Chief Deputy – Road Patrol. Sheriff Graff then accepted the position of Chief Deputy – Criminal Investigation Division in 2019.
Education & Training
Sheriff Graff received his Bachelor of Arts degree from St. John Fisher University. He attended the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services - Basic Course for Police at the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy. He received the Academic Achievement Award and was also honored with the Joseph E. Steblein Award, which is given to the top overall graduate in the academy class.
Over the course of his career, Sheriff Graff has attended trainings that include:
- Interviewing and Interrogation
- Criminal Investigations
- Use of Force
- New York Law Enforcement and the Law
- Patrol Interdiction
- Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement
- Child Forensic Interviewing
- Advanced Homicide – Violent Crime
- National Incident Management
- Police Supervision
Honors and Affiliations
Sheriff Graff holds credentials as a New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services Instructor and has served the Sheriff’s Office as an instructor of:
- Aerosol Subject Restraint
- ASP/Baton
- General Topics
- Electronic Control Devices
- Firearms
He is a member of the Genesee County Threat Assessment Committee and has been a Field Training Officer as well as a former member of the Emergency Response Team.
Awards and Achievements
Sheriff Graff has received several departmental recognition awards including:
- Officer of the Year in 2007
- Two Commendations
- Two Meritorious Service awards
- Kiwanis Club of Batavia Criminal Justice Award
He has experience as Chief Deputy of Road Patrol, as well as the Criminal Investigation Division of the Sheriff’s Office.
Personal
Sheriff Graff is a lifelong resident of Genesee County. He and his wife, Erin, are proud parents to three daughters, Gabrielle, Gianna, and Lila.