Establishes an independent office of chief medical examiner in the department of corrections and community supervision.
Impact
The introduction of Bill S08106 is expected to fundamentally alter how deaths in correctional facilities are investigated. By creating an independent office, the bill seeks to eliminate potential conflicts of interest and improve the quality of forensic examinations. This move is anticipated to provide a more objective review of deaths, ensuring that families and the public receive detailed information. The legislation also mandates the publication of annual reports detailing death statistics, including demographic and circumstantial information, promoting further transparency in the correctional system.
Summary
Bill S08106 aims to establish an independent Office of Chief Medical Examiner within the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in New York State. This new office will be staffed by a chief medical examiner, a deputy, and eight associate medical examiners who will be appointed by the governor. The primary mandate of the office will include the responsibility of conducting independent autopsies and forensic investigations for all deaths occurring in correctional facilities. This initiative is proposed to enhance transparency and accountability regarding deaths within these institutions.
Contention
Despite the apparent advantages, the bill could face opposition from various stakeholders concerned about the implications of establishing such an office. Critics may argue about budgetary allocations for the new office and whether existing mechanisms are insufficient for conducting thorough investigations. Additionally, the requirement for transparency through published reports may raise privacy concerns among incarcerated individuals and their families. Balancing these perspectives will be crucial as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
Permits the state and local municipalities to purchase from sources other than the correctional industries program of the department of corrections and community supervision.
Prohibits charging a fee to obtain a certified copy or certified transcript of birth when the department of corrections and community supervision or a local correctional facility requests such for an individual under community supervision in connection with his or her ongoing supervision in the community.
Requires every parole officer and employee of the department of corrections and community supervision to wear body cameras with video and audio whenever he or she is interacting with a parolee; implements the use of cameras in every official office and room in the department.
Expands the health department's review of correctional health services by including a biennial study of health care staffing at facilities operated by the department of corrections and community supervision.
Requires that notice be provided to any officer or employee of the department of corrections and community supervision whose personal information is the subject of a subpoena duces tecum.
Requires that notice be provided to any officer or employee of the department of corrections and community supervision whose personal information is the subject of a subpoena duces tecum.
Provides information regarding termination of medicare part B coverage for the duration of incarceration to individuals committed to the department of corrections and community supervision.
Provides information regarding termination of medicare part B coverage for the duration of incarceration to individuals committed to the department of corrections and community supervision.
Expands who may visit local correctional facilities to include accompanying staff of legislative members and members of the department of corrections and community supervision requested by a legislative member.
Expands who may visit local correctional facilities to include accompanying staff of legislative members and members of the department of corrections and community supervision requested by a legislative member.