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| Jail food in Allegany County |
Food
Sheriff Whitney and Jail Administrator Chris Ivers were clearly proud of the kitchen staff during an interview and tour earlier this week. Ivers said "our kitchen staff is top notch...the best." The county runs a commercial grade kitchen. Nearly every food item is prepared by county staff, with the lone exception of a few baked goods, like bread. Fresh veggies come from the jail garden, which inmates largely manage, which lowers costs.
How inmates are fed
Inmates receive breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is solid, but not fancy. Inmates can only eat during designated times. 'Doggy bags' with leftovers can't be taken back to the cell. Arrangements are made for inmates will specific medical conditions. The bottom line - eat when your told to; Inmates can skip meals if they choose. The capacity of the kitchen well exceeds the current jail population, by design. Ivers said when the facility was constructed, designers were looking toward the future for growth. The kitchen, Ivers said, was a hidden gem for outside resources. In the not too distant past, there was a large scale search for a missing person. Ivers said the command center was established at the Amity state police barracks. Food was needed...and with little warning and in lightning fast speed...the Allegany County Jail kitchen staff whipped up hundreds of meals!
On a pleasant note, the sheriff credited the kitchen with one particular meal...French Toast. Whitney quipped that some inmates have asked for court appearances to be postponed on "French Toast day."
Medical Care
The Allegany County jail is required to provide medical care for inmates, however, officials say the care has limitations. The reality is, inmates often have health issues, and the Sheriff is required to provide some level of medical assistance. A Nurse Practitioner is at the jail from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily. The jail has two exam rooms, one of which is for primary care. Routine and more urgent medical situations are handled by the staff. Amity Rescue Squad provides ambulance service if an inmate requires a trip to the hospital. However, a supervisor must first approve the transport, which is done in consultation with medical staff. Inmates receive basic dental care every three months or so. Administrator Ivers was quick to point out that "inmates don't receive root canals or crowns...just basic care." An eye doctor also is tasked with aiding inmates in need. A medical doctor floats into the facility every month or so. Sheriff Whitney said if an inmate is truly in distress, help will be offered. The jail also deals with inmates who require wheelchairs, have prosthetics and more. Ivers said should an inmate reach a point where they are no longer able to walk or care for themselves, other medical arrangements are made.
