WHITE PLAINS – The US Attorney’s Office and Westchester County Jail have reached agreement that resolves the US government’s long-running investigation into the jail under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act.
The agreement, approved Wednesday by the county Board of Acquisition and Contract, put in place resolution of the government’s findings regarding the jail’s use of force against inmates, its use of isolation to discipline minors incarcerated in the jail, and its provision of inadequate medical and mental health care for inmates. It also requires the appointment of an independent monitor to ensure that the jail complies with the agreement.
The agreement resolves an investigation into the jail that began in 2009. Since the government issued its findings letter and during the ongoing investigation, the feds said the jail has made progress in addressing problematic conditions and has now agreed to implement all of the corrective measures set forth in the parties’ agreement to ensure the jail’s compliance with constitutional requirements.
Also stipulated is that the jail end its practice of placing minors under 18 in isolation or punitive segregation, and that it develop systems to address disciplinary issues in a manner consistent with minors’ needs and that does not deprive them of access to certain programs and services.
The jail has also agreed to ensure that its use of force is not excessive and is consistent with the law.
The pact also mandates the appointment of an independent monitor to assist the county in achieving compliance with the provisions of the agreement, to issue status reports, and to provide the county with technical assistance to comply with provisions of the agreement.
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