State Commission takes issue with escapes, assaults, torture, theme nights

By Ronn Chesmonde

Sheriff Timothy Howard announced yesterday that he is “rethinking” the way he has managed the Erie County Holding Center and vowed a “top to bottom” review of the “One Sigma” Quality Assurance Program that he implemented two years ago.

Commission: Sheriff's 'Tranny Night' Led To Violence.

His announcement follows yet another critical report issued by the State Corrections Commission that found the management of the Holding Center to be “completely devoid of competence, planning or supervisory ability at any level.”

The Commission also took exception to the Holding Center’s “Theme Nights” that Sheriff Howard implemented to “boost morale and help the inmates bond with the staff.”  One of the themes, ‘Dress Like A Tranny Night,’ was cited in the report as “contributing to forced acts of aggression between Holding Center inmates and staff.”

Howard defended himself against the allegations of incompetence.

“These critical reports are a small price to pay for my commendable attempt to save money for the taxpayers,” said Howard, referring to the “deep discounts” he received by utilizing a cheaper, more affordable version of Erie County Executive Chris Collins’ “Six Sigma” Management program.

Howard wouldn’t comment on the criticism of the Theme Night program, other than to ask “What guy doesn’t like to dress up like a woman every once in a while?”

Under Howard’s implementation of “One Sigma” at the Holding Center, inmates were left guessing about meal times, showers were turned off to conserve water and visits from relatives were approved only if prisoners agreed to participate in a talent show called “Sheriff Howard Presents Dancing With The Cons.”

According to the Sheriff, running the Holding Center “like an inmate’s worst nightmare” may be the best incentive for prisoners to make better decisions upon their release.

“Otherwise,” said Howard,  “the months or years they spend at the Holding Center feel more like a vacation.  And who wouldn’t like a vacation right about now?”