Griffo statement on early release of prisoners in New York

“The proposal by the governor and DOCCS to release some prisoners early due to staffing issues is outrageous, ridiculous and reckless.

 

New York’s correctional system is in crisis. This crisis recently reached its boiling point, and we saw corrections officers and civilian staff demanding safer working conditions at correctional facilities across the state.

 

It is incumbent upon the governor and the DOCCS commissioner to review, reexamine and reconsider existing policies and to develop a contemporary reform and fix that will improve the state’s prison system. I have continued to offer solutions to address staffing and safety concerns, including repealing the HALT Act and expanding access to important tools such as body scanners, drug-detecting equipment and technology and a secure vendor program.

 

Additionally, the governor, who believes in second chances as evidenced by her signing of the Clean Slate bill into law, should grant amnesty to the individuals who were terminated from their jobs and allow them to return to work with consequences. She also should release National Guard members, who have faced pay and other disparities during their deployment within the state’s correctional facilities.

 

I will continue to work to ensure that the state’s corrections officers and civilian staff have the proper resources, training, protections and staffing levels necessary to do their job safely. The governor and DOCCS commissioner should do the same.”

 

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