New York’s prison system faces unprecedented chaos as inmates take control of facilities and correctional officers strike, prompting Governor Hochul to deploy the National Guard.
At a Glance
- Inmate uprisings at Riverview and Collins Correctional Facilities have led to facility takeovers
- Visitations to all New York State prisons have been canceled due to safety concerns
- Governor Hochul has activated the National Guard to support prison security
- Correctional officers are engaged in an illegal work stoppage across 41 of 42 state prisons
- Restrictions on solitary confinement have been temporarily suspended to manage the crisis
Inmate Uprisings and Facility Takeovers
New York’s correctional system is grappling with a series of alarming inmate-led disturbances that have resulted in the temporary loss of control at multiple facilities. The Riverview Correctional Facility became the latest flashpoint when inmates overran sections of the prison around midnight, leaving staff feeling unsafe and forcing them to retreat.
According to reports, approximately 500 inmates housed in 10 dormitories took control of the facility, with only 15-20 staff members present during the overnight shift. The situation escalated as inmates were heard breaking glass and causing damage to the dormitories. By 8 a.m., authorities had regained control of the facility, with no staff injuries reported.
Statewide Prison Visitation Suspension
In response to the unrest, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has taken the drastic step of canceling visitations at all correctional facilities until further notice. The announcement, made on the department’s Facebook page, underscores the severity of the security concerns facing the state’s prison system.
“Visitation in all DOCCS facilities is cancelled until further notice,” the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision said.
This decision follows a similar incident at Collins Correctional Facility in Erie County, where inmates took over three dorms, further highlighting the widespread nature of the current crisis.
Governor Hochul’s Response and National Guard Deployment
Faced with an escalating situation, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an Executive Order to activate the National Guard.
“These disruptive and unsanctioned work stoppages by some correction officers must end as they are jeopardizing the safety of their colleagues, the prison population, and causing undue fear for the residents in the surrounding communities,” Governor Hochul said.
The Governor’s order also provides for additional overtime compensation for correction officers and staff who continue to report for duty during this challenging period. In a further effort to resolve the crisis, Governor Hochul has appointed an independent mediator to address the illegal strike by correction officers.
Correctional Officer Strikes and Legal Action
The current turmoil in New York’s prisons is compounded by widespread strikes among correction officers. These unauthorized work stoppages have spread to 41 of the state’s 42 prisons, with officers protesting forced overtime and dangerous working conditions.
In response to the illegal strike, an injunction under the Taylor Law has been filed, and a temporary restraining order has been granted to halt the work stoppage. The state is taking a firm stance against the strikes, emphasizing the critical nature of the correctional officers’ roles in maintaining prison security and public safety.
To manage the ongoing crisis, Daniel Martuscello III, the State Corrections Commissioner, has issued a memo suspending certain elements of the HALT Act, which had placed restrictions on solitary confinement in New York State prisons.
“We are suspending the elements of HALT that cannot safely be operationalized under a prison-wide state of emergency until we can safely operate the prisons,” Daniel Martuscello III said.
The HALT law, signed in 2021, allows for such suspensions under “exceptional circumstances” that pose significant risks to safety and security.
