Albany, N.Y. - The State Commission of Correction is naming the Onondaga County Justice Center and the County Penitentiary as one of the five 'worst local jails' in the State.
The report cites overcrowding as a major contributing factor to the facility receiving poor marks. The report also lambasted a collective bargaining agreement that prevents the Onondaga Sheriff's Office from mandating overtime. The report concluded that the agreement leaves mandated officer posts routinely abandoned. The Onondaga Sheriff's Office are the administrators of the Justice Center.
"We have received a copy of the report on the 'worst local jails' in New York State, says Alphonso David, Chief Counsel to Governor Cuomo. The report, which we will thoroughly review, instructively highlights the five most problematic facilities among the 74 that the state oversees. There is no doubt that we will demand focus and an expeditious resolution to these systemic, unconscionable and illegal conditions. A fair, safe, and humane criminal justice system is essential for our state, and we will make it such."
The report does point out that a recent budget referendum to place the Jamesville Prison under the control of the Sheriff's Office will provide obvious benefits but will not solve the issue of overcrowding. The state report recommends adding more capacity at either facility.