Sheriff temporarily suspends visits to county jail

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 March 2020 at 6:43 pm

ALBION –  Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke will be temporarily suspending visitation with Orleans County Jail inmates effective March 13.

This policy has been put in place to help protect inmates and jail staff from the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation, Bourke said.

Niagara and Genesee have also restricted visits to their jails due to the coronavirus concerns.

“This action is a precautionary measure only,” Bourke said. “At this time, there is no reason to believe that there is any risk to staff or inmates in our facility. This action, along with the cleaning and sanitizing procedures put in place this week, will reduce the risk of an exposure to inmates or staff.”

The sheriff said friends and families of inmates in the Orleans County Jail may use the Video Visitation System.

In Niagara County, acting sheriff Michael J. Filicetti also announced today he is temporarily suspend all inmate visitation and programming until further notice. Legal representation will continue through non-contact visits for attorneys following a medical screening.

The Niagara County Jail will have reduced charges for phone services beginning on Tuesday, March 17.

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