SENATOR WALCZYK DENOUNCES EARLY RELEASE OF INMATES AMIDST STAFFING CRISIS
Senator Mark Walczyk is voicing opposition to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's (DOCCS) decision to begin releasing inmates early from state prisons. This decision comes amid a staffing crisis that has seen correctional officers demanding safer working conditions. This move, allowing inmates who are within 110 days of their release date to parole early, raises serious concerns about public safety.
“Instead of focusing on the safety of correctional officers, DOCCS is now moving to release inmates early? Insane!" said Senator Walczyk. “They're falling behind every step of the way - chasing every new problem they create. Our parole officers are already short-staffed and expected to manage caseloads of hundreds of convicts. DOCCS is going to accelerate their caseload without relief and we know what the end result will be: criminals doing more crime."
“Instead of focusing on the safety of correctional officers, DOCCS is now moving to release inmates early? Insane!" said Senator Walczyk. “They're falling behind every step of the way - chasing every new problem they create. Our parole officers are already short-staffed and expected to manage caseloads of hundreds of convicts. DOCCS is going to accelerate their caseload without relief and we know what the end result will be: criminals doing more crime."
The memo issued by Corrections Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III allows for early releases of inmates who are within 110 days of their release date and not serving time for high-level felonies, violent crimes, or sex offenses. This announcement follows a recent situation where nearly 50 correction officers at the Mid-State Correctional Facility refused to enter the facility due to dangerously low staffing levels.
“Our correctional officers have been urgently demanding safer working conditions amidst a staffing crisis,” Walczyk continued. “Now, with this reckless policy, DOCCS is putting the safety of our communities at risk."
Senator Walczyk emphasized that the solution to the current crisis should not involve the early release of inmates but instead focus on rehiring corrections officers who were terminated, suspending the HALT Act, and ensuring that our facilities are secure from dangerous drugs.
“It is imperative that we uphold the safety of our correctional facilities and prioritize the needs of our officers,” Walczyk concluded. “We cannot afford to overwhelm parole and compromise public safety by releasing inmates early. It’s time for DOCCS to take accountability for the chaos they have created and ensure our correctional officers are supported in their vital roles.”