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Wednesday, January 31, 2007
No Evidence of TB Cover Up at Jail
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Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson stated today that an independent freeholder committee has put to rest the unfortunate allegation made by the FOP Lodge 34 negotiator Myron Ploktin that there was an alleged "cover up" by county officials regarding the handling of suspected tuberculosis (TB) cases at the Atlantic County Justice Facility in Mays Landing.
In yesterday's meeting with county and state public health officials, the jail medical provider, the Freeholder Jail Committee, and representatives of FOP 34, it was made clear that the county properly followed all procedures and protocols required for the handling of inmates suspected of having TB. "All medical and public health standards were met," Levinson said. "Charges of a cover up have been shown to be false and without merit."
Levinson said that he felt it was extremely important to ensure the families of both guards and inmates that proper procedures are in effect to protect them from communicable diseases and that those procedures are being followed. "I take this responsibility very seriously and that is why I find it offensive when individuals falsely use inflammatory words like 'cover up' to make their case. This does a disservice to all those who have an interest in what happens at our jail."
Levinson expressed his deep respect for county corrections officers who he said have an extremely difficult job and work under very difficult circumstances. "Unfortunately, they, along with the public, have been affected by their negotiator's poor choice of words."
At yesterday's Board of Freeholders meeting the four members of the Freeholder Jail Committee were asked by Freeholder Chairman Joe Silipena whether they had found evidence of a county "cover up" with regards to suspected TB cases at the jail. Freeholders Lawton Nelson, Jr., Jim Curcio, Alisa Cooper and Frank Giordano stated they had not.
Levinson thanked the members of the committee for performing their duty in a non partisan manner. "I agree that additional education and training may be helpful, but the bottom line is that we are doing what we must do to ensure the health and safety of our officers and inmates," he concluded.
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