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Friday, January 25, 2019

Cortland County Jail evacuates inmates, staff

Press Release from Sheriff Mark Helms
 
Due to the heavy rains we received recently, the roof of the Cortland County Jail began to leak excessively during the early morning hours of January 24, 2019.  As the rain continued, so did the number of leaks throughout the jail.  At approximately 8 a.m., the water came into the jail dorm area in amounts enough to cover portions of the floor to the point it was decided to evacuate the inmates from that area. 
As the morning progressed, the rain continued to fall and leaks in the roof continued in many areas of the jail.  Members of the Cortland County Buildings and Grounds Department worked diligently to stop the water from entering the jail, but they were unable to control all the leaks.
It was because of safety concerns for the inmates and staff that the majority of the inmates from the jail were evacuated to other county jails for temporary housing. The evacuation went extremely well and at no time were any inmates in any danger.  The inmates currently being housed out have been relocated to three different surrounding county jails. 
The jail will be continuing to do business as usual when dealing with arrest and confinement, however very few inmates will be allowed to be housed locally until all aspects of the rain damage are repaired.
Anyone interested in finding out where a friend or family member is currently being housed can call (607)756-4275 for more information.  Officers will be available to assist the public with answering questions regarding inmate locations. 
At this time, the extent of the water damage in the jail is unknown.