Protesters gathered outside the Albany County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, calling for accountability and transparency in response to allegations of violence and misconduct by correction officers at the county jail.

What You Need To Know

  • Protesters rallied outside the Albany County Sheriff's Office over allegations of abuse by correction officers
  • Advocates demand independent oversight and accountability for jail staff
  • The Freedom Unshackled Coalition sent a letter to Sheriff Apple outlining concerns
  • The sheriff's office declined to comment, citing pending litigation
  • The State Commission of Correction referred six complaints to the DA's office since January for investigation

The demonstration, organized by the Freedom Unshackled Coalition and supported by nearly a dozen advocacy groups, highlighted claims of physical abuse, unsanitary conditions and retaliation against incarcerated individuals who report mistreatment.

“The message is that abuse in prisons, which we’re seeing all across the state but locally, in general, is not going to be tolerated,” said Ta-Sean Murdock, executive director of the Center for Law and Justice. “People need to be held accountable for the abuses to inmates when committed by corrections officers.”

Advocates are calling for sweeping reforms, including independent oversight through a proposed Community Oversight Review Board. They argue that the current system allows jails to police themselves, eroding public trust.

“They’re beating the men and women in that correctional facility, and it needs to stop,” said Roni Minter, co-founder of the Freedom Unshackled Coalition. “Not only does it need to stop – those who are doing it need to be held accountable.”

The Freedom Unshackled Coalition sent a letter to Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple outlining their concerns and demands. 

However, Apple declined an interview with Spectrum News 1, citing pending litigation. His office maintains its commitment to working with advocates, but has not issued a formal response to the coalition’s latest demands.

According to Janine Kava, spokesperson for the state Commission of Correction, six written complaints alleging misconduct at the Albany County Correctional Facility have been referred to the county District Attorney’s Office since January for investigation. The commission monitors incidents reported by correctional facilities and conducts investigations of serious incidents, such as escapes or major disturbances. It also investigates all deaths of incarcerated individuals and has authority to conduct unannounced evaluations as necessary.

Kava added that annual evaluations are conducted at county jails statewide to ensure compliance with regulations addressing areas such as sanitation, health services, discipline and security procedures. 

“This is something that we have to make noise about – protesting and making awareness known is so powerful,” said Niesreen Mende, director of organizing for We Are Revolutionary.

Advocates say they plan to follow up with county legislators and state officials if their demands go unanswered. 

“It starts with coming to the table,” Murdock said. “And it starts with accountability.”