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New shared jail with Orleans County not likely, says Genesee's county manager

By Howard B. Owens

Regardless of the report in Journal-Register in Medina says Genesee County Manager Jay Gsell, residents of Genesee and Orleans counties should expect a new regional jail to come out of discussion between the two counties.

The Journal-Register reported this morning:

Johnson and the Jail Committee have been working closely with Genesee County, talking about the possibility of opening a regional jail to accommodate prisoners in both Orleans and Genesee counties. The Center for Governmental Research has been hired to do a study to determine if a regional facility would be economically feasible.

“We have to look at what’s the best taxpayer solution,” Johnson said. “A study hasn’t been done since the early 1970s, and right now, the promising thing is the good working relationship we have with Genesee County.”

The relationship between the two counties is great, Gsell confirmed, and CGR -- the same consultants helping with the consolidation study in Batavia -- is conducting a study to help the counties deal with an increase in female inmates, decreasing bed space, aging facilities and the best options for dealing with prisoners in the 21st Century, but a new jail facility is pretty unlikely.

"We started looking at what are alternatives to incarceration," Gsell said. "We're looking at electronic monitoring, release under supervision and things of that nature ... and now what we're looking at is having CGR ...  --  would it be advisable to have us look at on a two-county basis, maybe even a three-county basis, along with either Livingston or Wyoming, at some other alternatives to just building brand new jail space."

Gsell said there are a couple of people in Orleans County who seem to really believe that the process will inevitably lead to building a new jail, but he doesn't see that as an option.  It would be difficult, he said, to co-locate one facility under current statutes.

 Full Audio of Jay Gsell Interview

John Roach

What right? Can you give us the section of the law that says they have a right to "the light of day"? How is that denied in the jail?

They have the right to meals, a bed, medical care, at least one hour ofTime out of their cell for exercise, visits and fair treatment. But "the light of day"?

Jun 16, 2009, 6:28am Permalink
daniel cherry

Well in my opinion if someone is in jail awaiting trial.Because they can't afford bail or an attorney.Then they are still innocent right?So they are not convicted.And yes there are new york state correctional laws.And yes i have been in there jail for no reason.And for a reason.And yes i have worked at Bedford prison.Even people in jail have rights.People in this jail look forward to prison sometimes just so they can go exercise.A jail is not supposed to charge so much for items you need either.Basic necessities like soap are inflated.Did you ever think maybe some are innocent?And some are not in jail and should be.But they get probation for horrendous acts.They could afford a lawyer.Last i knew there was an insufficient law library also.They are building more prisons.It cost money.What about people who have kids with someone who has a court order?Jail and prison is big money.It's an enterprise.It gives many people jobs.So in my opinion since they are building so many more prisons.Then they can jail more for petty offenses.It costs a lot of money x the amount of inmates per day.Some like jail i don't.Some have no where to live, and go do something, just to have a place in winter.Wasn't Jesus in jail?

Jun 16, 2009, 11:48am Permalink

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