East Hampton Village Board Appoves Village Jail Renovations

The East Hampton Village Board gave its approval at Thursday’s Board meeting for a $90,000 renovation of the East Hampton Village Police Station holding and interview area.

According to Village Engineer Drew Bennett, the plan includes creating an H-shape of concrete block walls, resurfacing the floors, renovating the ceiling tiles and slightly modifying the lighting. The plan also features the addition of polycarbonate glass panels on the far side of the holding area to improve the security of both the detainees and the employees, and purchasing new metal furniture, he said.

Mr. Bennett said the plan is the result of a letter from the village’s insurance carrier that made a recommendation to make changes that will prevent potential liability for village employees and detainees.

“It doesn’t say that it’s a hazard, but it makes a recommendation to improve the holding area and we’ve brought it up to contemporary standards,” he said.

East Hampton Village Police Chief Gerry Larsen said the current layout is not safe for employees.

“The problem with it now is that when officers bring prisoners in, they’re very close in proximity so it could lead to spitting or things like that,” said Chief Larsen. “That’s what we’re trying to prevent.”

Mr. Bennett said the plan has been reviewed by the Village Police Department as well as the New York State Department of Corrections, which wrote a letter to the village expressing its approval.