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New York Governor Mobilizes National Guard Amid Correction Facility Crisis
On Tuesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to deploy the New York National Guard to provide support for correction officers, inmates, and the surrounding communities. This initiative follows a recent incident at Collins Correctional Facility in Erie County, where inmates overtook three dorms and assaulted several guards, highlighting ongoing staffing issues within the state’s correctional system.
Over the past year, there have been numerous reports of injuries sustained by correction officers at the facility, raising concerns over safety protocols and the wellbeing of personnel.
In response to these escalating tensions, Governor Hochul emphasized her administration’s commitment to enhancing security measures. She has initiated several reforms aimed at both protecting correction officers and increasing recruitment efforts to fill vacant positions. In a statement, Hochul expressed concern over an ongoing illegal work stoppage initiated by some correction officers, describing it as detrimental to public safety. “We will not allow these individuals to jeopardize the safety of their colleagues, incarcerated people, and the residents of communities surrounding our correctional facilities,” she asserted.
Engagement with Union Leaders
The governor has instructed the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) commissioner, Daniel Martuscello, along with senior officials, to discuss the situation with the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA). The aim is to resolve the work stoppage that has significantly disrupted operations and compromised safety across New York’s correctional facilities.
Should the work stoppage persist, National Guard members are set to be deployed to DOCCS facilities as soon as Wednesday. The administration is prepared to take disciplinary actions as warranted and has indicated plans to work with the Attorney General’s office to explore legal options designed to compel workers’ return to duty, leveraging laws such as the Taylor Law.
Statements from DOCCS Commissioner
Commissioner Martuscello noted that the ongoing work stoppage is causing “irreparable harm” to the department’s operations. He urged union members to cease their strike, highlighting the need for constructive dialogue to address concerns over working conditions while ensuring the safety of all personnel within correctional facilities.
In March 2024, the NYSCOPBA had previously reached a collective bargaining agreement with the state, which aimed at improving working conditions for correction officers. This agreement resulted in various benefits such as a $6,500 increase in starting salaries for new hires, enhanced location-based pay for downstate placements, a significant rise in hazardous duty pay, and the introduction of 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Directions
In light of the current turmoil, additional legislative measures and administrative changes are being considered to bolster protection for correction officers. Efforts to enhance recruitment are also being prioritized to address staffing shortages that have contributed to an environment of instability within the state’s correctional facilities.
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