County Executive George Latimer, along with New York State Sen. 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 the 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.

“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,” Latimer
said. “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 Neil Pellone. “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,” Harckham said.

DOC Commissioner Joseph Spano added, “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.” Work is expected to begin in the spring of 2022. (Submitted)