Write a commentThe recent directive issued by the New York State Commission of Correction against the Oswego County Jail should alarm every resident of this county.
Six violations remain uncorrected under Sheriff Don Hilton’s watch, including the failure to properly administer medical screening questionnaires — a basic safeguard for human life.
This is not a minor oversight. When the state has to step in and remind our sheriff’s office to comply with medical care standards, it signals a breakdown in accountability. The county claimed its medical care contract would protect both inmates and taxpayers, yet the state’s findings prove otherwise. If the contract is not being enforced, then it is meaningless.
We cannot ignore the fact that Oswego County recently settled a jail death lawsuit for $700,000. That tragedy underscores the real human cost of neglect. Without rigorous auditing of the medical care contract and strict enforcement of state regulations, we risk repeating history — at the expense of lives and public trust.
Sheriff Hilton must remember the words that sat on President Harry Truman’s desk: “The Buck Stops Here.” Leadership means responsibility, not excuses. The sheriff must be held accountable, and the county must ensure that proper care is being given to those in custody.
Our community deserves transparency, compliance, and above all, justice. Anything less is unacceptable. I find it unacceptable that the County Legislature is recommending an 8% play increase for Sheriff Hilton given the continuing issues that occur under his lack of leadership.
Lynne Hogan Lyons
Fulton, NY
