A Case Study of the Westchester County New York's Jail Response to COVID-19: Controlling COVID while Balancing Service Needs for the Incarcerated-A National Model for Jails

Controlling COVID rates, which initially soared within New York State, proved to be more challenging for correctional institutions, which were tasked with trying to protect a captive population. This article profiles the Westchester County Department of Correction (WCDOC), a county jail located 20 m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Victims & offenders 2020-10, Vol.15 (7-8), p.1305-1316
Main Authors: Collica-Cox, Kimberly, Molina, Louis
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
alternatives to incarceration
Case studies
Coronaviruses
correctional
Correctional institutions
county jails
Courts
COVID
COVID-19
early release mechanisms
Imprisonment
Jails
Medical technology
Medical treatment
Medicine
Mental health services
pandemic
Prison administration
prison reform
Prisoners
Substance abuse treatment
Technological change
Technology
Technology policy
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Summary:Controlling COVID rates, which initially soared within New York State, proved to be more challenging for correctional institutions, which were tasked with trying to protect a captive population. This article profiles the Westchester County Department of Correction (WCDOC), a county jail located 20 miles north of Manhattan; it is the second-largest jail in New York State. By employing a multitude of modalities, the WCDOC was able to lower their COVID-19 rates significantly, while simultaneously providing medical, mental health, drug treatment, and court-related services. By leveraging the use of technology and employing innovative policies for prisoners and staff, the WCDOC can serve as a model for other correctional institutions.
ISSN:1556-4886
1556-4991
DOI:10.1080/15564886.2020.1820923