The Erie County Legislature’s Republican Caucus is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers to enact measures to address severe staffing shortages at state correctional facilities. A resolution submitted by the four legislators cites numerous recent injuries to corrections officers that have highlighted staffing and security issues at the New York State-run facilities, while many officers are forced to work double and triple shifts.
“Corrections officers already work in extremely stressful environments. New York State must repeal state laws that embolden criminals at the expense of the safety of the men and women guarding them. The safety of New York State Corrections Officers should never have been politicized,” said Minority Leader and Erie County Legislator John Mills.
Legislator Mills is referencing the HALT Act, which took effect in 2022, restricting solitary confinement to no more than 15 days. Corrections Officers are calling for the repeal of the HALT act as they continue to strike.
“Many of the officers have said the HALT Act has emboldened the prisoners, telling us the inmates believe there will be no consequences to their actions. As such, reports of assaults by inmates on the officers has increased,” said Legislator Frank Todaro.
Staffing has also decreased significantly in recent years, with the president of NYSCOPBA citing a reduction of 5,000 security staff in the past five years, forcing officers to work forced double and triple shifts.
“It is unhealthy and unfair to the officers to be forced to work these long hours. There is no work/life balance. Mandatory overtime, a high stress environment and a dangerous work environment leads to burnout. It’s difficult to retain staffing,” said Legislator Chris Greene.
“These conditions are untenable. They pose a significant risk to the safety and well-being, not only of the officers, but their families, other staff at the facilities, those who are incarcerated, as well as the broader community. Something must be done,” said Legislator Lindsay Lorigo.
The resolution, which calls upon New York State lawmakers and the New York State Department of Corrections to enact measures addressing the severe staffing shortages at state correctional facilities, passed unanimously.
