State Senator Mark Walczyk has criticized the response of New York state officials to ongoing issues faced by correction officers. In a statement released on August 28, 2025, Walczyk said that nearly 200 days have passed since corrections officers protested unsafe working conditions outside prisons across the state.
“It has been 199 long days since the corrections officers of New York boldly took a stand, picketing around burn barrels outside their prison. Some refused to continue working in the unacceptably unsafe conditions which jeopardized their lives every single day. In a remarkable show of solidarity, 38 out of 42 facilities operated by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) answered the call to action, making the disturbing reality of our correctional system undeniable. All New Yorkers heard their voice. Yet here we are, 199 days later, and what has been done to enhance the safety of our corrections officers? Absolutely nothing. The response from Governor Hochul and her Democratic allies? An utter refusal to confront the chaos spiraling out of control.”
Walczyk stated that over 2,000 correction officers were dismissed following demands for improved workplace safety measures. He said this has resulted in a shortage of about 4,700 officers needed for effective operation of state correctional facilities. According to his statement, more than one-third of guard posts remain vacant in some prisons with staffing shortages reaching as high as 48 percent.
“The aftermath of this strike has been devastating. Over 2,000 correction officers were stupidly fired for their plea for basic safety measures in the workplace. Now we face an untenable shortage of 4,700 officers needed to run our correctional facilities effectively. More than one-third of guard posts remain unfilled, with some prisons staggering under a shocking 48% staffing shortage. The consequences are severe: overcrowded conditions, cancelled days off, rampant violence, inmate overdoses, staff exposures to dangerous poisons, and remaining officers overwhelmed by excessive overtime. Let’s also acknowledge the $100 million monthly cost to taxpayers footing the bill to keep National Guard in our prisons—this is a direct result of the inaction by DOCCS, Governor Hochul, and her Democratic allies. They seem to prioritize coddling criminals and wasting taxpayer money over taking accountability for what led us here.”
He also raised concerns about recruitment efforts at the Corrections Academy not keeping up with retirements among staff members and criticized plans announced by Governor Hochul regarding possible prison closures without advance notice or community input.
“The Governor said she was going to ramp up recruitment but the Corrections Academy isn’t keeping pace with retirements. And she said she’s going to close three prisons but has given no notice to communities, employees, and families. Instead she’s planning closures in secret without input from people impacted and lacking transparency public is entitled to.”
Walczyk reported receiving messages from corrections staff describing ongoing problems such as drugs entering through mail scanners and increased disrespect toward staff members.
“I’m still receiving desperate messages from correction officers pleading for help. One recent message highlighted the untenable state of affairs: “Drugs are still coming in through flawed mail scanners, and our staff members are facing unprecedented levels of disrespect. The situation is not only dangerous for the officers; it poses a threat to the entire community.” The negligence displayed by those in power is absolutely inexcusable.”
The senator attributed rising assaults on corrections personnel partly to limitations imposed by legislation known as the HALT Act.
“Our correction officers’ voices have been systematically ignored by leaders sworn protect them,” he stated.”The HALT Act continues unleash havoc within our prison system drastically limiting tools our officers need manage violent behavior among inmates Assaults on correctional officers have soared alarming levels with New York State Department Corrections Community Supervision (DOCCS) reporting 2 ,070 assaults on staff in 2024 staggering increase just four years prior By November had already shattered previous year’s record assaults on staff This showcases Hochul administration’s failure prioritize safety well-being those who safeguard communities .”
Walczyk mentioned his sponsorship of Senate Bill S5009 requiring drug-sniffing canines at large facilities—a measure blocked during this session—and his support for repealing portions of current law governing inmate management.
“I sponsor a bill in Senate (S5009), which mandates every correctional facility housing over 100 inmates must have drug-sniffing canine site Democrats blocked it legislative session I joined Republican conference Senate attempt repeal Halt Act It was shot-down Senate floor .”
He further pointed out that county jails are now holding state prisoners due delays transferring them into state custody.
“Now County Jails filling with state prisoners at cost local taxpayers because DOCCS refuses pick them up take them state facility Enough .”
Concluding his remarks Walczyk called on Governor Hochul take several actions including rehiring terminated employees suspending HALT Act increasing security against contraband .
“The Governor caused crisis prisons continues complicit system failing NY’s inmates staff corrections officers taxpayers safety public She needs take immediate action rehire unjustly terminated officers suspend HALT Act fortify prisons against flood dangerous drugs .”
