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NYCLU Wants Changes After Suicides At Nassau Co. Jail

MINEOLA, NY (CBSNewYork) - In the past two years, five inmates at the Nassau County Jail have committed suicide.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall On The Story

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That includes an Iraq war veteran, who was in the facility after being arrested for DWI.

Now, Samantha Fredrickson of the New York Civil Liberties Union says her organization has filed a lawsuit against the county.

The organization wants the county to establish an oversight committee.

"Seven people who are appointed by the county executive. They're voluntary members of the community, and they would actually have an office in the jail, be able to respond to inmate grievances and complaints, as well as make recommendations about conditions or things that should be improved at the jail," she said, adding that the members would even be able to help inmates who are not getting their medicines on time. "These are our neighbors. These are our fellow Nassau County residents. Right now, they're living in the shadows without having the right treatment."

However, the county's response is that there is a jail advisory board that already serves in a similar capacity.

What do you think? Sound off in the comments section below!

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