Administration
Chief of Police Michael "Robby" Robertson
Michael "Robby" Robertson joined the Elmira Police Department in 1986 and was assigned to Patrol Division. In 1996, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and worked in Patrol until 1997. In 1997, he was moved into the Detective Bureau, a position he held until 1999. In 1999, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and became a supervisor on the day shift. He remained in that capacity until 2001 when he was assigned as Commanding Officer of the Detective Bureau. He held this position until 2003 when he was promoted to the rank of Captain. In February of 2005 he was appointed to the position of Deputy Chief of Operations.
In addition to his regular duties as a patrolman, investigator, and supervisor, Robertson has previously been a member of the Honor Guard, the Team Leader for the Crisis Negotiation Team, and a Police Instructor.
Deputy Chief of Police Robert Smallcomb
Deputy Chief Robert Smallcomb is a graduate of the Southern Tier Law Enforcement Academy and joined the Elmira Police Department in 1989. Deputy Chief Smallcomb has served the department in various functions including Patrolman, Narcotics Investigator, Patrol and Detective Bureau Supervisor and past Commander of the Drug Enforcement Unit. Deputy Chief Smallcomb is a past member of the Crisis Negotiation Team and Honor Guard. As the Deputy Chief of Police, he handles internal investigations, training, accreditation, and other administrative/operational functions. Deputy Chief Smallcomb is second in command of the Elmira Police Department, acting as Chief in the absence of the Chief of Police.
Captain David Kinnaird
Captain Kinnaird has been with the Elmira Police Department since 1997. He is currently the captain in charge of the afternoon shift on the patrol force.With over 20 years of diverse Law Enforcement experience he has worked for the Salamanca Police Department, Portville Police Department and Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department. He is a 1989 graduate of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Academy and holds a BS degree from Keuka College in Criminal Justice. He is currently a member of the Elmira Police Honor Guard. He has served in both the Patrol Division and Detective Bureau. Past duties include Field Training Officer, FTO Supervisor, Evidence Tech, Department Evidence and ID Officer, SWAT team member, Police Instructor, Fleet Manager, Records Management System Administrator and Grant writer. He currently serves in the United States Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer and has completed two deployments in support of the War on Terrorism. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, reading, boating and scuba diving. “It is a profound honor to serve the community and the fine men and women of the Elmira Police Department.
Captain Anthony Alvernaz
Captain Alvernaz joined the department in 1996. His entire career has been spent with the Patrol Force, serving on all three platoons in various ranks.He is currently the captain in charge of the day shift on the patrol force. He has been a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, the Training Committee and serves as a police instructor. He is the departments senior historian and commands both the Crisis Negotiation Team and the Elmira Police Honor Guard.
Captain Matthew Sweet
Captain Sweet joined the Elmira Police Department in 1998 after working six years at the Horseheads Police Department. He is currently in charge of the afternoon shift. Captain Sweet obtained his BS in Criminal Justice from Brockport State University prior to graduating from the Southern Tier Law Enforcement Academy in 1992. He has worked various functions within the Department, including Patrol, Detective Bureau, Stop DWI Officer, Field Training Officer, Evidence Technician, Police Instructor and has supervised on all Patrol shifts and in the Detective Bureau.