New Allegheny County Jail oversight board inherits old problems
90.5 WESA, 01/05/24: “Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato attended her first jail oversight board meeting Thursday, ushering in a new era for the body. Members and community advocates said they hope the days ahead will be more productive.
Innamorato’s presence on the nine-person board just two days into her tenure was notable. Her predecessor, Rich Fitzgerald, sent a surrogate to the monthly meetings for most of his 12 years as county executive. (Fitzgerald and two current board members are currently facing a lawsuit over the practice.)
Advocates and fellow board members were often critical of Fitzgerald’s absence and his management of the jail, particularly amid rising deaths and growing concerns about living conditions at the facility. Since 2020, 25 people have died in Allegheny County Jail or shortly after being incarcerated there.”