Dozens of Broome Jail Inmates Released Under New Bail Law

Almost 30 inmates have already been released from Broome County Jail because of the state's revised cash bail rules.

Several dozen more people now being held in the town of Dickinson facility are expected to be freed in the days ahead.

Broome County Sheriff David Harder said 17 inmates were released from the jail Monday and 12 were freed the following day. He said six inmates were sent from the Front Street facility to state prison.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Wednesday, Harder said Broome County Court Judge Kevin Dooley has started reviewing inmates who may be eligible for release under the new law.

A security monitoring station at Broome County Jail. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The sheriff said Dooley is scheduled to continue the process Thursday and Friday.

Harder said one person who has been arrested 36 times has been released under the revised bail provisions approved by state lawmakers this year.

The sheriff estimated between 100 and 120 inmates ultimately will be released as a result of the criminal justice reform measure.

Harder said as of Wednesday morning, the there were 408 inmates in the 600-bed jail. He said the maximum number of inmates ever held at the facility was 577.

Under the new law, cash bail no longer will be permitted for most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies in New York state.

Many law enforcement officials want the law revised because of public safety concerns. State legislative leaders have indicated they don't plan to consider any changes.