Allegany County Public Safety Complex - an inside look - Part 1- Jail

(seated- Sheriff Whitney. Standing L-R- Undersheriff Kevin Monroe, Corrections Lt. Kevin Morsman – Assistant Jail Administrator, Chris Ivers and Deputy Lt. Shawn Grusendorf

The Allegany County Sheriff's Office opened its doors to the public today for a rare inside look into the complex that is located on State Route 19, located just south of the village of Belmont. People drive by the complex everyday and likely think, that's where the bad people are...but the building has much, much more. This is the first in a series of stories that will give you an inside look into an often misjudged facility. Today, we focus on the most intriguing part - the jail.
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When the media and members of the public were allowed to 'view the sites,' there were 131 prisoners housed inside the complex today. The building can hold 164 inmates (with room to grow). It takes $1.6 million dollars a year to pay the debt for constructing the facility, which actually takes in about $2.5 million - a net gain.
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Sheriff Ricky Whitney said today that once a person has been committed to jail, "their total well-being is up to us." That includes medical, psychological and other aspects. Whitney said even if an inmate has health insurance, it stops when they enter the facility and the county foots the bill.
Christopher Ivers is the jail administrator for the facility that opened in 2006.
Ivers noted that one inmate who was incarcerated last week was experiencing "severe" drug withdrawal. That inmate was transferred to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo where Allegany County deputies are required to provide 24/7 security. It's a cost totally absorbed by county taxpayers.
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Ivers took the 'tourists and media' inside "Bravo pod." Unlike the TV portrayals, there are no standard 'bars' containing the prisoners. They are confined to a small metal space with a small window they can look out. As we entered 'Brave pod,' I noticed the number of faces pressed against the windows. On a typical day, inmates are allowed to gather in a common area and watch TV. What is shown on TV is based on a majority vote. It's typically something sports-related, we're told. Not today...just faces pressed against a window. The conclusion - some wanted to see...'people'...while others were pissed that they were stuffed back into their cells while "tourists" roamed the pod. I struggled to snap a photo of a typical cell...that was not allowed.
The jail area was clean...neat. Ivers and Whitney both pointed out that "well behaved" inmates can work as cleaners and such. Before entering Bravo pod, at least a dozen inmates in orange jumpsuits were shuttling laundry. Most inmates politely said hello, while some held their heads down.
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Inmates are allowed visitors...everyone is allowed a visitor during the first 24 hours of incarceration.

There are physical contact areas and there are areas where an inmate must speak via phone to a loved one. Forget what you've seen on TV, because, well...that is TV. At one point Allegany County disallowed kissing between loved ones and prisoners...New York State said...prisoners may briefly kiss or hug a loved one. Ivers said contraband is always an issue.
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Again, forget what you see on TV. Sheriff Whitney and Undersheriff Kevin Monroe both agree that there are more fights in high school than there are in the Allegany County Jail. Monroe said there "were maybe five" confrontations in the past year.
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The Allegany County Jail can detain people for one year, then it's prison. However, during that year, rapists, murderers and drunks can all be detained. Regardless of the prisoner count, the sheriff's office must provide a minimum level of staffing.
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The inclement weather did not allow visitors to explore the jail garden that feeds the inmates and more.
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Ivers also reported that the facility has conducted a number of tours for high school students.
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It was an eye opening experience. Before you judge, condemn or voice an opinion...ask for a tour...