Yates Sheriff announces grant

Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike has been notified that his office was successful in its application, and is the recipient of a Federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant award in the amount of $30,000 via NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services titled ‘Video Teleconferencing for Sheriff’s’ which will provide contemporary video equipment and software for installation at the Yates County Jail later this year.Sheriff Spike said, “In these budget times we need to look at technology for advantages, and this conferencing capability will increase efficiencies, save costs, reduce transport vehicle mileage and gas, lessen manpower and inmate transports, increase officer safety, and when appropriate minimize visits by governmental and other entities with inmate business, such as court related, probation, and other services.” Sheriff Spike also said that his administration wants to explore future applications, if appropriate that could save on costs including inmates making initial court appearances, remote attorney-client visits, remote family visitations, and medical or mental health related video interactions without leaving the security of the jail. The Sheriff will ask the Public Safety committee of the Yates County Legislature to accept the award and authorize him to seek bids at its July 5, 2011 meeting and approval of the Legislature July 11.