To combat a severe staffing shortage, New York will lower the minimum hiring age for correction officers from 21 to 18, a change approved by lawmakers and expected to be signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The shift follows a February strike that led to the firing of over 2,000 guards and forced the deployment of the National Guard. New recruits under 21 will face restrictions, including bans on firearms and unsupervised inmate contact during their first 18 months.
The guard shortage has prompted early release of nonviolent inmates, while violent offenders remain ineligible. The crisis stems in part from two inmate deaths tied to officer brutality, resulting in multiple criminal charges.
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