Community advocates, organizations and leaders met Thursday with Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple, his administration and members of the Albany County Legislature to address allegations of brutality, medical neglect, violations of the HALT Solitary Confinement Law, inhumane conditions and denial of legal visits at Albany County Correctional Facility.

Advocates voiced concerns about reports of systemic failures and abuse from inmates and their families. Apple acknowledged the concerns and shared insights into ongoing efforts by his office. Both sides agreed to continue the dialogue in a smaller setting to explore collaborative solutions.

“There have been numerous inquiries about some incidents," said Eva Bass, executive director of AVillage Inc. "Of Albany County, which forced us to come as a community and gather together to have a discussion and to try to build and try to figure out a solution, not to go public, but have a solution to work in collaboration with Sheriff Apple’s office.”

“They have some concerns," Apple said. "And again, this. And it's hard for a family member to have a loved one in the facility. So complaints coming out saying, you know, whatever is happening to them. And so it's concerning for a parent. I understand their frustration. And I told them I said, 'listen, we will sit down and we will get to the bottom of this.' I thought this was actually a really good meeting. I'm glad everybody came out. I got to meet some new people and different organizations that I was very unfamiliar with. And, again, I, you know, I, it was a chance for them to share some frustrations, and I didn't expect to accomplish what we did, but I thought it was a great meeting, actually.”

Thursday's meeting took place in the Albany County Executive Building amid growing calls for transparency and reform.

Advocates are demanding immediate oversight to ensure compliance with laws like HALT and to address systemic issues within correctional facilities.

Further meetings are expected as efforts continue to protect the rights of incarcerated individuals.