Residents, advocates press Albany County Legislature for civilian oversight of county jail

Dozens of residents, formerly incarcerated people and local advocates told the Albany County Legislature on April 14 that the Albany County Correctional Facility needs an independent civilian oversight review board to investigate alleged abuse, improve medical care and restore public trust.

Speakers described multiple incidents they said show a culture of violence and inadequate oversight at the jail. Ronnie Minter of the Freedom Unshackled Coalition, who identified himself as formerly incarcerated, said the county’s reliance on internal investigations and the state Commission of Corrections has not produced accountability and urged the legislature to support stronger independent oversight. “When budgets pass without demands for transparency, oversight, or accountability, this body becomes complicit,”…