BUFFALO, N.Y. – Erie County Sheriff’s John C. Garcia announces that an Order filed in State Supreme Court Monday has discontinued a lawsuit filed by the New York State Commission of Correction against former Sheriff Tim Howard with prejudice and terminated the associated Consent Decree.
In March 2021, the New York State Commission of Correction filed an Article 78 petition based upon allegations that the Erie County Sheriff’s Office failed to adequately report significant incidents within its correctional facilities. In satisfaction of the petition, the parties agreed to a Consent Decree establishing an independent monitor in June 2021. Since that time, the monitor has filed three reports with the court detailing the Erie County Sheriff’s Office’s compliance with the provisions of the Consent Decree. The most recent report recommended termination.
“Since I took office in 2022, my administration has taken seriously the provisions set forth in Consent Decrees with State and Federal regulatory agencies. I am proud to say that as of today, all Consent Decrees have been lifted,” Sheriff Garcia said. “I would like to thank Jail Management Division Superintendent Michael Phillips and his staff for their hard work over the past two-and-a-half years. We continue to make strides with respect to modernizing how we administer our correctional services.”
Under the leadership of Sheriff Garcia, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Jail Management Division has taken several steps to achieve progress at the Erie County Holding Center and Erie County Correctional Facility, including:
- Implementation of the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program
- Deployment of body worn cameras (BWCs) for deputies and correctional officers who are in contact with Incarcerated Individuals
- Deployment of tablet technology for use by Incarcerated Individuals
- Accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care
- Statewide reaccreditation