Latest news with #NewYorkStateDepartmentofCorrections
CBS News
02-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
New York prisons to release some inmates early due to staffing shortage
New York state prisons will release some inmates early due to a shortage of corrections officers. The move comes weeks after the state fired more than 2,000 guards who carried out an unauthorized strike over poor working conditions. In a memo Monday, New York State Department of Corrections Commissioner Daniel Martuscello directed prison leaders to start 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. Inmates convicted of sex crimes, violent felonies or serious felonies, such as murder, terrorism or arson, would not be eligible for early release, the corrections department said. Martuscello wrote the early releases would occur '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 state prisons. The move follows a widespread corrections officer strike that lasted for 22 days and crippled the operations of state's prison system. The state eventually fired more than 2,000 guards who refused to return to work after reaching a deal with the guards' union to end the work stoppage. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order that prevents state agencies from hiring guards who were fired for striking . A spokesperson for the governor said she supports Martuscello's "efforts to safely address staffing shortages and personnel concerns" in a statement Tuesday. Republican Congressman Mike Lawler responded with a statement, reading in part, "Governor Hochul's decision to release inmates early is a dangerous misstep that puts New Yorkers at risk."
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
DOCCS cancels visitation for 3 prisons due to substance exposure
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Multiple people at three New York correctional facilities were ill after some of them were exposed to unknown substances. According to the New York State Department of Corrections, there had been several instances of incarcerated individuals, correction officers, and staff members at the Attica, Wyoming, and Cape Vincent correctional facilities experiencing similar symptoms such as light-headedness, nausea, and dizziness. DOCCS says some of them are believed to have been exposed to unknown substances. This led to the three prisons closing for visitation. The first two incidents happened at Attica Correctional Facility. On Sunday, March 16, an inmate was acting suspiciously. Staff found paper on him and had to admit him to the infirmary. Three correctional officers felt light-headed and dizzy, and one of them vomited. All three were taken to an outside hospital. Hours later, two inmates were found lying on the ground. They were given Narcan and taken to a hospital. A nurse and a sergeant involved in the incident also had to be hospitalized after they reported nausea and dizziness. On March 19, a staff member at Attica opened an envelope and powder spilled out. The employee felt sick, which led to first responders and a Hazmat team responding. The employee and a nurse were taken to an outside hospital. Meanwhile, between March 19 and 20 at Cape Vincent Correctional Facility, 3 inmates, a nurse, a correction officer, and a sergeant, were given Narcan after potential exposure to substances. They were also hospitalized — some of the staff returned to work. On March 20, an inmate and five correction officers were taken to hospitals for evaluation after experiencing these symptoms. A nurse at Attica was also taken to a hospital with similar symptoms. The next day, six inmates and eight security staff members felt ill. One inmate and the staff members were hospitalized, and the other five inmates remained at the infirmary. As of now, the three prisons — and Upstate Correctional Facilities — will not be open for weekend visitation. No further updates about the investigations were released. Further updates regarding visitation can be found on the DOCCS website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
