County Executive George Latimer, along with New York State Senator Pete Harckham, is announcing an initiative to enhance safety for correction officers of the Westchester County Department of Correction (DOC). Thanks to a $200,000 state grant secured by Harckham for the County, the County’s DOC will be upgrading the current staff body alarm system that was installed in 1999. Upgrades include transition to latest system version, installation of additional indoor and outdoor repeaters and transmitters.
The computer-based system connects to units worn by every correction officer working at the County Jail and allows them to call for help in the event of an emergency. When activated, the units transmit a signal to the facility’s main control center and the Departments Emergency Response Team.
Latimer said: “Our correction officers work in a complicated environment and rely on technology of this nature to ensure personal safety and for those in their care. I thank Senator Harckham, Commissioner Spano and COBA President Neil Pellone for their efforts and collaboration on this important security enhancement.”
Funding to support software and hardware upgrades for this computerized system was secured by Harckham through collaboration with Latimer, DOC and President of the Westchester County Correction Officers Benevolent Association (WCBOA) Neil Pellone.
Harckham said: “Recognizing that our correction officers work in an environment that is sometimes unpredictable, it was an honor collaborating with WCOBA President Neil Pellone to identify how we could enhance operational safety for both staff and residents at WCDOC. I also want to thank Commissioner Spano and his Technical Services Unit for identifying certain body alarm system enhancements that would accomplish that goal. This is a true team effort.”
DOC Commissioner Joseph Spano said: “The personal body alarm system has been invaluable over the years, protecting both staff and residents during emergency situations. Having the ability to proactively enhance the current system is a tremendous benefit and one that’s appreciated by all levels of DOC personnel.”
WCOBA President Neil Pellone said: “WCOBA thanks Senator Peter Harckham for securing funding to upgrade the personal body alarm system within the Westchester County Jail. Enhancing this critical important system will directly impact the safety of the correction officers represented by our association. I greatly appreciate the work Senator Harckham and his staff did to secure this funding and thank County Executive George Latimer for supporting this initiative.”
Work is expected to begin in the spring of 2022.