Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D) recently called New York’s jails “garbage bins.” The representative of New York’s 14th congressional district was criticizing the alleged lack of programs and mental health services provided at New York’s state jails and prisons.
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon (D) quickly issued a sharp rebuke of this assessment of the New York State penal system through an online message.
“This is exactly why New York City is a mess. AOC has no respect for the men and women who devote their lives to public service, public safety, and corrections,” he stated.
The intra-party spat highlights the division between the moderate and progressive wing of the democratic party. During his tenure as Sheriff, he has focused on anti-recidivism measures. Although, this is not the first time he has been at odds with members of his party. He issued similar statements when Albany passed bail reform and repealed 50A.
“AOC’s answer to public safety = incendiary name-calling and support for misguided and rushed public policy, like New York’s bail reform law, which has endangered society,” Toulon’s statement read. The online statement echoed past sentiments regarding ‘criminal justice reforms’ coming from Albany.
“The Suffolk County jail has a learning center, a nationally recognized human trafficking unit, a START (re-entry) center, and a family reunification program, among other programs,” he continued.
Toulon was previously a corrections officer for 25 years, with 22 of those being a corrections officer captain. Toulon made history as the first African American elected to a non-judicial county-wide office. He also has an MBA and a Doctorate in Education Administration from Dowling College. Toulon is currently running for re-election.
