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Niagara County Sheriff's Department Inmate Programs & Services |
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Niagara County Sheriff's Department Inmate Programs & Services |
The Education Program is geared towards the individual grade level of each student. Group lessons are integrated into the program as often as possible. A GED exam is given five (5) times per year and in the 1995-96 school year, 28 students earned their GED Diploma.
Inmates under twenty-one (21) years of age may attend school Monday through Friday to earn a high school diploma or GED. Classes are also available for inmates over this age group on a space available basis. Niagara County Community College offers credit and non-credit courses at various intervals throughout the year. The dates and times are posted in each cell block.
Adult Education: During this same school year, 78 adult inmates were enrolled into the Education Program. All adults enrolled are working towards their GED diploma. Eligible students will be able to take the GED Exam at the Niagara County Jail.
Incarcerated Youth Program: The Incarcerated Youth Program is not only a necessary measure to address the rising number of youths aged 16-21 being arrested but a successful measure. The following are some pertinent facts from the 1995-96 school year:
131 Students were enrolled in the IY Education Program.
5 Students remain on their regular high school curriculum.
4 Students returned successfully to their high school.
1 Student earned his GED in order to enter college.P.A.C.E. (Project to Assist, Coordinate & Employ): This program began in 1992 and has worked with 55 students that are released and 11 currently in custody. PACE consists of a 32 hour formal class setting 3 days per week in addition to academic work. These classes are coupled with one on one counseling with PACE Case Manager Russel Isler. upon release, the program participants are tracked for 6 months by Mr. Isler.
34 have NOT returned to jail.
12 are involved with the Niagara County Employment & Training (JTPA).
2 are enrolled at NCCC with several more applying at this time.
11 are employed
1 currently enrolled with Job Corps.
20 returned to High School or enrolled in a GED program.The current success rate of PACE participants is 60%
At the discretion of the Superintendent, the Niagara County Sheriff's Department, along with the Chaplain, will transport an inmate to the hospital when death is imminent and/or after death has occurred. These visits are limited to immediate family only and include Mother, Father, Child, Brother, Sister, Husband, Wife, Grandparents or Grandchild, or Legal Guardian. Inmates will be transported in leg irons and handcuffs for a private viewing not to exceed 30 minutes.
Inmates receive a wide array of Health Services, not limited to but including general health issues, emergency dental care, HIV Testing and Counseling, Alcohol Counseling and Mental Health Services.
Inmates needing medical services need to complete a "Medical Request Slip" provided by the Correction Officer in charge of their housing area. Sick Call for inmates is held Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays.
All inmates are entitled to legal counsel. If an inmate cannot afford an attorney, Public Defender slips are available from each housing areas Correction Officer. An attorney may visit an inmate at any time not disruptive to the jail routine. All legal visits shall be done in accordance with the Niagara County Jail's security and housing policies.
No member of the Niagara County Sheriff's Department may act as a legal representative, attorney, counselor-at-law, legal advisor or paralegal on behalf of any inmate. Legal research materials are available and a jail law library is maintained. Inmates may request to use these facilities. A complete list of all legal books is posted in each housing area.
Notary Public services are available to each inmate. The Notary shall be available to inmates within one (1) business day after the services are requested.
Chapel services are available to all inmates who wish to participate. There are three denominations that regularly hold services or religious studies (Roman Catholic, Protestant & Muslim). Inmates may not attend more than one (1) service per week.
Recreation is provided for all inmates as per a scheduled posted in each housing area. The schedule may be modified to meet the needs of each individual unit. Pod recreation is available to inmates housed in a pod, and each inmate is allowed one hour of exercise each day. At the discretion of the Pod Officer, added hours of exercise may be made available.
A library cart is available each Saturday with paperback books. Each inmate is allowed four (4) books at a time, utilizing the honor system.
Television is allowed between the hours of 11:30 am and 11:30 pm.
Personal radios are allowed with approval of the jail administration (head phones only, no external speakers or tape players). Each inmate is allowed to have not more than 6 batteries (3 in the radio and 3 spares) at any time.
The Niagara County Jail Handbook is available to each inmate and their respective visitors.
Niagara County Jail Service Providers:
Professional Providers:
ACNC (Alcoholism Council of Niagara County Alcohol education for inmates. Has group sessions as well as individual meetings. Counselors are at the jail Tuesday-Friday. Drug education held 1 day per week. Woman's substance group held 1 day per week as well as individual sessions. Education State mandated for inmates ages 16-21. Adults enrolled on a space available basis. Classes run 5 days per week, 8:30 - 3:30 (Sept.-June). Summer school runs Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 8:30 - 3:30 (July & Aug.) PACE Transition program for inmates ages 16-21. Coordinates with the Education Program. Classes held Monday - Wednesday, 2:24 - 3:20 Family & Children's Services Must be over 18. Must have a history of mental illness. Counseling is not provided, only supportive case management. Agency is present 1 day per week if needed. Niagara County Mental Health Full time Mental Health Nurse is on duty Monday - Friday. Options First Offender Program through NCCC. Agency is present on occasion to interview possible candidates. Pre-Trial Interviews inmates for possible ROR. Program under supervision of Niagara County Probation. TASC (Treatment Alternatives to Street Crimes) Must be charged with a felony. Must have a history of substance abuse, be a resident of Niagara County, with no parole or probation detainers. Supervised by the Niagara County Jail and Niagara County Probation.
Volunteer Providers:
AA Women Wednesday evenings AA Men Monday evenings NA Men Monday mornings NA Women Sunday afternoons Literacy Volunteers Set times during the week, 1 hour sessions Narcotics Anonymous Bible Classes
Niagara County Sheriff's Department
5526 Niagara Street Ext., P.O. Box 496
Lockport, New York 14095-0496
(716) 438-3393, Fax (716) 438-3302
