Clearly, the federal court has an agenda to maintain the status quo and prevent the county administration from protecting the taxpayers of Erie County.
The judge status-quoedly ruled that a Justice Department inspection of the county jails is reasonable and not overly burdensome. The Justice Department would like to conduct the inspection because it has a clear “anti-taxpayer agenda” – which is pronounced “suicide rate that is 5 times higher than the national average.”
Outrageous how Chris Collins and Tim Howard can’t just do (or not do) whatever they want, however they want, with impunity. Also, Tim Howard notes that the three recent suicides all had a heroin addiction. Setting aside whether he had the right to disclose that health information the way he did, wouldn’t that have maybe clued his department in to the need to keep a close eye on suicides two and/or three?
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The Buffalo Record 
Do I smell a HIPPA Violation here somewhere?
It’s something that popped into my mind.
Does HIPPA apply to the deceased? Not sure, just asking.
Hey Sheriff did you think tossing a heroin addict into a cell alone would be a good way of detoxing him? Oh, it was just tough love. I understand now. I bet it was cheaper than bringing in some criminal coddling trained counselors.
The heroin revelation illustrates the unintended consequences of the failed war on drugs. Legalize drugs and allow people who need help with their addictions to seek that help without fear of arrest. The spin-off would be less dead victims, less crime, decreased prison populations, tremendous tax savings and the elimination of innocent people becoming collateral damage.
The over-crowding situations would be eliminated and people wouldn’t have their lives ruined by a foolish war that doesn’t work.
The problems at the Holding Center are symptomatic of the war on drugs.
You must be so much fun at parties.
Host – “Mike, would you like some wine?”
Mike – “That reminds me, Jefferson once said…and another thing, did you see the expose on the national reserve banking system on LewRockwell the other day….btw, while I drove here in my automobile that was designed to meet federal safety standards powered by gas dispensed from pumps metered by the state on a federally maintained road, I object to any wine which came from a vineyard which has ever received subsidies or corporate welfare. Make mine, Fountainhead Wine, please.
Actually, I think his libertarian nonsense applies this time.
It’s not that far fetched to believe that maybe if we weren’t jamming every possible person we can find with some drugs on them into the jails, the people working there would be in a better position to monitor what goes on there. America is second to none in finding stupid reasons to lock up it’s citizens but no one really pays attention because the “ZOMG! DRUGS ARE BAD! THINK OF THE CHILDREN!” propaganda has been pushed for so long without question.
Does it have any correlation to why the Erie County Holding Center is so piss poor compared to other jails? Probably not. But when you’re talking about the reasons jails on the whole are fucked up in this country, to ignore the failed drug war would be stupid.
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I’m still scratching my head trying to figure out what it has to do with my comment. I think you’re just trying to ruin my next glass of Pinot.
I don’t think you understand the Austriam School. Maybe WNY Mike can fill you in.
Maybe Kevin Gaughan should downsize Erie County government by vaporizing the Sheriff and County Executive positions.
Actually this makes a lot of sense. The 20006 Charter Revision Report recommended a County Manager which would have taken control of operations away from the Exec. Lenihan killed that proposal. There is no State requirement to have an elected Sheriff. The Clerk could also be appointed, as the policy making content of that office is limited. An elected County Attorney would make more sense. Green would never have had a chance.