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Report: Erie County Holding Center one of the "worst offenders" in state law violations

Posted at 9:30 AM, Feb 14, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-14 09:45:59-05

The New York State Commission of Corrections released a "worst offenders" list of facilities that violate the most state laws. The Erie County Holding Center and Correctional Facility are in the top five.

The five local facilities determined as the "worst offenders" are:

  • New York City Rikers Island Facilities
  • Greene County Jail
  • Erie County Holding Center/Correctional Facility
  • Dutchess County Jail
  • Onondaga County Justice Center/Penitentiary

According to the report, "these facilities pose an ongoing risk to the health and safety of staff and inmates and safety of staff and inmates and, in instances, impose cruel and inhumane treatment of inmates in violation of their Constitutional rights." 

The report states that "managerial shortcomings of the Erie County Sheriff's Office have contributed to numerous serious incidents...including inmate escapes, assaults and deaths." 

After a 2012 report determined Erie County failed to maintain required staffing levels, 72 correction officers had to be hired.

Three special investigations were conducted in the period outlined in the report, including the 2010 escape of Brian Collins, 2015 escape of Thomas Walsh and 2016 assault of Carl Miller after he requested protective custody.

Four cases of inmates deaths were also named in the report, results of staff failures to follow correct protocols.

7 Eyewitness News has reached out to the Erie County Sheriff's Office for comment.

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