PRESENT: B. Ryan (Chair), M. Kaplowitz, L. Mosiello, G. Oros,
R. Wishnie.
STAFF: R. Hoch, S. Vanderberg.
GUESTS: Joseph Spano – President, Westchester County Correction
Officers Benevolent Association, County Executive’s Office: Bill Randolph, Larry Schwartz, Legislator Andrea Stewart- Cousins, George Hosey, Chair, Citizen Budget Advisory Committee.
The meeting was called to order at 9:14 a.m.
Mr. Ryan introduced Joseph Spano, President, WC COBA, and asked him to brief the members on current issues relative to the Westchester County Jail. Mr. Spano began by discussing the recent arrests of four County Correction Officers. He expressed his outrage at the media’s extensive coverage of what he felt was a “gender
sensitive” issue, and his concern that the news stories discredit the community work done by his organization in the community such as the Scared Straight Program and charity events for local hospitals.
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February 7,2000
· The installation of cameras in “common areas” for the
protection of guards as well as inmates.
· Increased officer-training incentives.
· State legislation that would make it an E class felony for
an inmate to falsely accuse a correction officer of misconduct.[a draft of legislation was submitted for the committee to review].
· The observation of procedure and protocol at other State
female jail facilities, ie, the Bedford Hills Women’s Correctional
Facility.
Mr. Ryan asked if any of the State facilities had programs to deal with this type of problem. Mr. Spano said the County is in the process of obtaining that information. Mr. Wishnie voiced the sentiments of the Committee by stating he was embarrassed by the media’s coverage of the arrests. Mr. Wishnie added that he felt Mr. Spano’s response to the incidents had been timely and appropriate. He expressed his
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hope, and for the sake of the officer’s families that the allegations are false.
Mr. Mosiello expressed his concern that the publicity surrounding the arrests has given the inmates a tool to use against the Correction Department and its officers. Mr. Wishnie stated he felt Commisioner Pozzi and the Administration were open to suggestions and he was in support of Mr. Spano’s proposed legislation.
Mr. Spano said he was pleased by the County Executive’s commitment to hire 30 new Correction Officers in the near future, This will have a positive impact in the summer and reduce need for forced overtime. He added that negotiations for the new contract, were moving along.
Responding to inquiries as to the general climate and conditions at the County Jail, especially the gang and drug presence, Mr. Spano said that gang intelligence within the jail was so effective they have been solicited by outside law enforcement for information. For the most part, all other conditions at the jail are satisfactory. He added the Journal News came to observe the Jail operation and hopefully the news article will reflect the tensions and pressures the correction officers face on a daily basis.
Mr. Spano suggested that any new jail facility that is constructed be of newer pod type design and not the dormitory design which has proven to be more problematic.
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Mr. Ryan stated that Commissioner Pozzi has agreed to attend a Committee meeting to discuss the County Jail and other correction issues as soon as his schedule permits.
Mr. Ryan asked members to submit items for the Work Plan. Mr. Oros suggested since the to the County Police Department’s
northern command center was established a year ago, the committee could invite its Commander in for a discussion. He also stated the Town of Cortlandt is pleased with the additional County Police coverage.
The Committee took up the proposed IMA to provide reimbursement to the City of Mt. Vernon for the costs incurred by city police to transport prisoners to the County Jail. Mr. Wishnie stated this is a standard two- year agreement. Mr. Ryan said the item had also been referred to the Budget and Appropriations Committee. On the motion of Mr. Oros seconded by Mr. Kaplowitz, the item was reported by a vote of 5-0.
CAD SYSTEM
Mr. Randolph (CEO) informed the members that a joint meeting of Public Safety and Budget and Appropriations regarding a new CAD system was scheduled for 3/13/00.
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Mr. Mosiello updated the members on his proposed legislation banning the sale, manufacture and possession of real looking guns. Mr. Mosiello said the current version of his legislation, modified to address the concerns of several Legislators (such as removal of “possession” language, and including “long armed guns” in the bill), is now in this Committee. Mr. Ryan felt that since the concerns of Mrs. Stewart- Cousins and Mr. Abinanti had been addressed, and Public Safety Commissioner D’Aliso and the president of the Westchester
County Police Chiefs Association supported the legislation, the members should review it again for the purpose of reporting it from Committee.
Mr. Kaplowitz asked if a County fire police response team proposal could be put on the Committee agenda for discussion. Local firefighters would make a presentation. He also added he would be submitting a memo on the subject of “smart guns”, as he is interested in its technology for the dual purpose of educating the public, and providing the weaponry for the County’s Police Force. Mr. Randolph (CEO) stated the Administration has looked into acquiring “smart guns” for the County Police and they have been told the technology won’t be available for 2-3 years.
Mr. Hosey (Citizens Budget Advisory Committee) asked if the prisoner transport IMA with Mt. Vernon would be paid out of 1999’s funds, to which Mr. Wishnie responded he would ask the Budget Department, but he was certain it would be.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:03 a.m.