UPDATE: A severe staffing crisis is gripping New York prisons as the state remains 4,500 correction officers short, raising alarms about safety and rehabilitation efforts. New reports confirm that National Guard members are still deployed in state facilities to mitigate the impact of this ongoing shortage.
Bryan Hluska, Vice President of the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, stated, “The only thing that’s truly changed is we’re not working 24-hour shifts anymore.” Despite the recruitment of 12,000 candidates currently in the pipeline, only 60 to 70 recruits are completing training every two months. This means that state correction officers are still unable to take vacations, further straining operations.
The situation has forced officials to prioritize inmate programming, with Hluska explaining, “We don’t have enough staff to run programs in general population.” As a result, many inmates are missing out on essential rehabilitation services, while those in restrictive units continue to receive programming.
Currently, about 2,700 National Guard members remain in New York prisons, down from over 7,000. Hluska emphasizes the need for more Guardsmen, stating, “If we can’t recruit our way out of this, they need to deploy more National Guard.” This interim solution is described as a “necessary evil” by Hluska, who acknowledges that these members lack the specialized training of correction officers.
Daniel Martuscello, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, highlights the urgency of the situation: “We’re not where we need to be for staff, and also allowing us to reopen the vital programs.” He stresses that the reliance on National Guard personnel is not a sustainable long-term fix.
The influx of drugs into correctional facilities remains a significant concern. Hluska urges state leaders to take action to improve rehabilitation conditions: “If they want to truly rehabilitate inmates, why aren’t they doing everything they can to make that environment a place where you can really rehabilitate?”
To address these issues, Hluska advocates for an expanded commissary and improved security measures for vendor packages. He also calls for revisions to the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act (HALT), arguing that it currently hampers effective interdisciplinary actions against inmates when necessary. Meanwhile, some state lawmakers assert that HALT does not require amendments, contending that the Department of Corrections has yet to implement the law effectively.
In response to the staffing crisis, DOCCS provided a statement detailing its commitment to safety and recruitment. The agency reports a 155% increase in those taking the correction officer exam, a 64% increase in appointments, and a 44% increase in academy completions since implementing new recruitment initiatives, including hiring bonuses and revised eligibility criteria. The next academy class on February 23, 2024, is expected to include 130 recruits.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s office commended the efforts of New York’s correction officers, highlighting the administration’s “aggressive” recruitment and retention strategies, which include increased pay and the elimination of the state residency requirement for applicants.
As the situation develops, the urgency for comprehensive solutions grows. The impact of the staffing shortage is being felt across the board, affecting not only correctional officers but also the rehabilitation prospects for thousands of inmates. Observers urge immediate action to stabilize staffing levels and enhance the safety and effectiveness of New York’s correctional system.