New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office (LEMIO) announced a settlement with Clinton County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and Clinton County resolving its investigation of sexual harassment, retaliation, and gender-based discrimination of women Corrections Officers (COs) and allegations of misconduct involving women incarcerated at the Clinton County Jail in Plattsburgh. As a result of the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) intervention, CCSO has agreed to take significant steps to improve conditions at the jail and to ensure a safe and secure environment for both COs and incarcerated women, including the appointment of an independent outside monitor and the implementation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). This settlement is the first of its kind LEMIO has reached with a county sheriff’s office.

“Women corrections officers should never fear showing up to work and incarcerated women should not be afraid of the individuals responsible for their safety. This agreement puts Clinton County on the correct path forward to improve conditions and ensure a safe and secure environment for both corrections officers and incarcerated women. I thank the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office for its willingness to work together to address reports of misconduct and harassment and implement real changes to improve conditions.” – AG James