UPDATE: A severe staffing crisis is escalating in New York’s correctional facilities, with a shortage of 4,500 correction officers impacting prison operations and inmate rehabilitation. Just announced by NYSCOPBA Vice President Bryan Hluska, only a fraction of the 12,000 recruits in the pipeline are making it through training, with classes yielding only 60 to 70 recruits every two months.
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) confirms that approximately 2,700 National Guard members are currently deployed to assist with staffing shortages, down from over 7,000 in recent months. Hluska acknowledges the challenge this creates, stating, “If we can’t recruit our way out of this, they need to deploy more National Guard.” The National Guard’s involvement is viewed as a “necessary evil,” according to Hluska, despite concerns about their training compared to correction officers.
This situation is dire as state correction officers are unable to take vacations due to persistent understaffing. Hluska emphasizes the consequences: “We don’t have enough staff to run programs in general population,” leading to a detrimental impact on inmate rehabilitation. As pressure mounts from advocacy groups and state officials to implement programs, the lack of staff means general population inmates are missing out while those in restrictive units continue receiving services.
Recent data shows that DOCCS has initiated a robust recruitment campaign, offering recruitment and retention bonuses, which has resulted in a 155% increase in applicants taking the exam. The next academy class, beginning on February 23, 2024, will include 130 recruits, but the urgency remains as the need for staff surpasses these numbers.
Commissioner Daniel Martuscello stated that while National Guard support has “allowed us to provide a better work-life balance,” it is not a long-term solution. He expressed concerns over the influx of drugs into facilities, jeopardizing safety and rehabilitation efforts. Hluska argues that without creating a rehabilitative environment, the cycle of crime will persist.
Additionally, Hluska called for changes to the HALT Act (Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement), arguing that it should allow for interdisciplinary actions against inmates when necessary. While some state lawmakers disagree, stating that the HALT Act is properly implemented, the tensions surrounding this issue highlight the ongoing struggles within the prison system.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has recognized the critical role of correction officers and pointed to her administration’s “aggressive” measures to enhance recruitment and retention. This includes increasing pay and lowering age requirements for applicants.
As these developments unfold, the implications for inmate safety and rehabilitation are profound. The situation is evolving rapidly, with urgent calls for more resources and effective strategies to manage the ongoing staffing crisis.
