Local Group Calls for Inmates at Broome Jail Be Released Due to Pandemic

A local branch of a citizen’s action group that has been pushing for bail reform and investigations into medical care and other treatment at the Broome County Jail is now calling for authorities to turn as many inmates as possible loose from the lockup in light of concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

Members of Citizen Action of New York and others gathered outside the public safety facility in the Town of Dickinson to urge the release of as many people being held inside as possible to avoid inmates from contracting the virus and spreading it within the county jail.

Sheriff David Harder has said there is no reason to release suspects in pending cases back into the community.  

There are no reported positive cases of COVID-19 in the Broome County Jail.