An internal affairs investigation into the recent escape of an inmate being treated at Strong Memorial Hospital has been completed.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office did the internal investigation after an incident on April 30th, when 19 year old Aliyah Burden of Rochester allegedly escaped from the maternity ward at Strong while being guarded by a deputy.
Authorities say she created a diversion and slipped out of a soft restraint, running out of her hospital room. A search later led to Burden’s arrest and she is facing escape charges.
Officials say that people at every level of the Sheriff’s Office are being held accountable, and that includes the discipline of Sheriff Todd Baxter as well as the Jail Superintendent.
A spokesperson for Sheriff Baxter said Baxter wanted to suspend himself for one day, but because elected officials are unable to do that, he will donate a day's salary to the family of a fallen officer.
Other actions to be taken include:
-Training on hospital details, restraints, and radio procedures. In addition, leadership training will be provided for all supervisors
-Equipment and Technology Updates, including GPS tracking technology
-Reinforcements/Communication Enhancements with our partners in law enforcement and local hospital administrations and security staffs, including the addition of radio frequencies where applicable
-Policy Revisions, including one comprehensive General Order on Hospital Security Procedures
-Creation of a Risk Assessment Matrix that will be conducted on each hospital detail (a rover position, GPS technology, and multiple deputies will be used when appropriate)
Baxter says he remains committed to transparency and accountability at all levels of the Sheriff’s Office.
