Erie County Legislator Daniel M. Kozub (D-Lackawanna) is pleased with the information exchanged between Legislators and Erie County Sheriff's Office officials concerning the New York State Commission on Corrections' report on the escape of Ralph Phillips during last week's Public Safety Committee.

"We had a frank, honest and wide ranging discussion on the escape of Mr. Phillips from the Erie County Correctional Facility, and we also had a lot of questions asked and answered by many involved parties," Legislator Kozub, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, said. "The concerns we all have range from the safety of all residents of Erie County from those people, inmates and other criminals, as well as the safety of corrections officers in county facilities and, in this instance, law enforcement agents of other agencies."

"The Public Safety Committee appreciated the serious nature of the discussion before it last week, and we realize that this is an important issue that needs to be addressed before it worsens," Legislator Kozub added. "The Sheriff's Office is requesting more funds for hiring more sheriff's deputies and corrections officers, as well as to make improvements and additions to the buildings. These are very serious issues and deserving of attention from the County Legislature, County Executive's administration and the Sheriff's Office. These groups and all stakeholders must meet to discuss the needs for the Sheriff's Office now and in the future, so we can come to a determination of funding levels with budget time approaching."

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