By New York State Senator Joseph A. Griffo, R-C-Rome, 53rd District
Safety is a primary concern for all those inside and outside of the walls of the state’s correctional facilities. Corrections officers, civilian staff and incarcerated individuals deserve a safe environment. Violence of any kind is unacceptable, and justice should and must be served for anyone committing a crime.
Prison employees should not be forced to work double shifts with mandatory overtime due to a lack of staff. They deserve to spend time with their families, a good wage and to have access to important tools, including body scanners, drug-detecting equipment and technology and a secure vendor program.
Additionally, the governor and DOCCS must be more sensitive and appreciative of the National Guard members who are being forced to spend time away from their loved ones and are not being given the proper resources to serve in their current capacity.
I am also urging the governor to immediately rescind her executive order prohibiting more than 2,000 terminated corrections officers from working for state agencies or obtaining municipal jobs. This is an egregious example of executive overreach and comes at a time when many local governments and law enforcement agencies, as well as DOCCS, are dealing with critical workforce shortages and could use additional staff and resources.
The governor and legislative majorities are responsible and share the blame for the issues that have plagued the state’s prison system.
Under their leadership and because of one-party control, we have seen legislation passed and policies like the HALT Act implemented that have emboldened criminals and created dangerous conditions in correctional facilities.
Unfortunately, the leadership in Legislature does not appear to be willing to undertake the necessary reforms and changes that will enhance public safety and create a safer and more secure prison system for all.
I will continue to work to improve conditions for everyone in the state’s correctional facilities and to implement much needed systemwide reform.
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