New York’s correctional system is facing backlash from county sheriffs as state prisons delay accepting sentenced inmates, according to the Elmira Star-Gazette. A February corrections officers walkout created staffing shortages, leaving nearly 2,400 state-ready inmates stuck in county jails—up from 200 before the strike.
Local jails in Chemung, Steuben, and Schuyler counties are under strain. Extra staffing, rising medical transport costs, and overcrowding have pushed resources to the limit. Sheriffs warn the delays increase both financial burden and safety risks, especially as inmates grow frustrated waiting for transfer.
State officials say they’re working to rebuild staffing and resume transfers, but relief could take months. Meanwhile, local taxpayers are footing the bill for a problem courts say is the state’s responsibility.
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