New York Prison Commissioner Releases Prisoners After the Firing of 2,000 Correctional Employees
Over 2,000 prison workers in New York went on strike for 22 days and were consequently fired, leaving the state to release prisoners due to a lack of staff at certain prisons.
New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervisions (DOCCS) Commissioner Daniel Martuscello “directed prison leaders to begin identifying inmates who were convicted of minor crimes and already set for release within 15 to 110 days to be considered for an early discharge,” according to the Associated Press.
The commissioner stated his plan in a memo sent to “All Superintendents” of prisons in the New York DOCCS:
“In view of the current staffing crisis, and in order to have the appropriate balance between the safety and well-being of those working and residing in DOCCS Correctional Facilities and public safety, it is appropriate that I, as Commissioner, exercise my authority pursuant to Correction Law Section 73, to move individuals from the Department’s general confinement facilities, into Residential Treatment outcount status.”
The amount of prisoners released is unknown. However, Martuscello stated “a large number of individuals… are potentially eligible,” for release.
These prisoners must also have a residence both verified and approved by parole officers.
In response to the memo and the potential consequences it could bring, Republican State Senator of New York Dan Stec has called for Martuscello’s resignation.
“He’s literally proposing to release convicted felons early because Kathy Hochul and him can’t manage the prison system,” Stec stated. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Commissioner Martuscello’s time is long passed. He needs to resign. He needs to be removed because somebody is going to get hurt.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul supports the Commissioner’s decision:
“Governor Hochul’s top priority is the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers. The Governor is aware of Commissioner Martuscello’s memo and supports his efforts to safely address staffing shortages and personnel concerns.”
