Assembly Republicans are pushing back hard against a new directive from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) that could lead to the early release of inmates amid a deepening prison staffing crisis in New York State.
During a press conference at the Capitol, Republican lawmakers criticized what they described as a dangerous and politically motivated move to offset staff shortages by letting inmates out ahead of schedule. They warned the policy could endanger public safety and further erode the integrity of the state’s correctional system.
The DOCCS memo circulated Monday cited staffing shortfalls as justification for the early-release initiative. Republican legislators argued the policy is the latest in a series of public safety missteps stemming from Albany’s failure to properly support correctional officers and facilities. Assemblyman Michael Tannousis called attention to a record 2,074 assaults on prison staff last year, describing the situation as “unprecedented” and criticizing state leadership for “political games” instead of real solutions.
Assemblyman Phil Palmesano placed blame squarely on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration, pointing to the recent termination of more than 2,000 correctional officers. “The Hochul Administration is literally taking the handcuffs off criminals and putting them on law enforcement,” Palmesano said. He called the correctional system “in disarray,” citing rising violence, prison closures, and plummeting staffing numbers.
Other Republican lawmakers echoed those concerns. Assemblyman Anil Beephan Jr. said the staffing crisis was “a self-inflicted wound,” resulting from hiring freezes, weak recruitment, and the passage of laws like the HALT Act. Beephan also criticized the state for bypassing the parole board and releasing individuals with serious criminal histories “without proper vetting.”
Assemblyman Scott Gray warned that the early release measure was part of a broader effort to “dismantle the system piece by piece.” He accused Albany Democrats of ignoring the safety of correctional officers and communities alike.
Earlier in the day, Assembly Democrats voted down several Republican-backed bills aimed at addressing safety inside correctional facilities. Among them were proposals to establish harsher penalties for attacks on officers, repeal the HALT Act, and implement contraband screening plans using canine units.
Republicans say these rejections reflect a troubling pattern. They argue the state is choosing to appease activists over supporting the officers who keep prisons running—and communities safe.
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