The current state of affairs in our state prisons is unacceptable and untenable. As one of the senators representing state prisons, I share the concern that’s been expressed by the community. It’s clear we need an overhaul of our corrections system, including greater accountability and oversight as well as a meaningful improvement to working conditions. These reforms are not and cannot be mutually exclusive.
Robert Brooks was murdered at Marcy Correctional late last year, period. The brutal, senseless attacks that he endured require full punishment under the law. This incident further demonstrates the need for an attitudinal shift towards zero-tolerance for staff who are violent towards other staff or incarcerated individuals as well as meaningful legislative and budgetary reforms, including mandatory body cameras on every corrections officer.
It must not be lost on anyone that corrections officers have one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs in New York. An already-difficult job is made near-impossible under the current circumstances: thousands of unfilled positions leading to mandatory double and triple shifts, woefully inadequate pay, a significant spike in violence against staff, and a significant increase in contraband entering prisons. These poor and unsafe workplace conditions are born out of years-long if not decades-long neglect by state government, including DOCCS. The profession requires far more than an inadequate $6,500 starting salary increase if we are to pull corrections back from the brink.
On February 28, an agreement was struck between the state and union which will hopefully move us in the right direction regarding some of the many issues the officers have elevated. I will also unequivocally call for substantial reforms during budget negotiations and legislative
