The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) is urging Governor Kathy Hochul to address a staffing crisis in state prisons by increasing pay and revising the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act (HALT).
During a recent press conference, Hochul acknowledged recruitment challenges but pointed to the declining incarcerated population, now at 33,429 from a 1999 peak of 72,649, as a factor in staffing reductions.
NYSCOPBA President Chris Summers argues that closing prisons, as planned by the state, isn’t the solution. Despite a new contract offering pay raises and benefits, Summers insists it doesn’t tackle safety concerns, with staff assaults expected to surpass 2,000 this year. Staffing shortages have led to excessive overtime, with some officers working shifts as long as 24 hours.
Summers advocates for a comprehensive approach, including pay hikes and HALT revisions, to improve working conditions.
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