New York to release some inmates early after firing more than 2,000 prison guards

• New York plans to release some inmates early to address staffing shortages caused by a statewide prison strike. Eligibility will be based on factors like proximity to release dates and non-violent offenses.
• The decision follows a 22-day strike by corrections officers, which led to the firing of over 2,000 guards, with the National Guard still filling staffing gaps.
• The move has sparked political debate, with Gov. Kathy Hochul supporting it to address staffing issues, while Republicans criticize it as unsafe.

Full Story

New York plans to release some inmates early in response to staffing shortages following statewide prison strikes. According to an internal memo obtained by multiple news outlets, New York State Department of Corrections Commissioner Daniel Martuscello has directed prison superintendents to start compiling lists of qualified inmates.

What are the qualifications?

Inmates must be within 15 to 110 days of their scheduled release date. They also can’t be serving time for high-level felonies, violent felonies or sex offenses. In addition, the inmate must have an approved residence, not a shelter or Department of Social Services placement.

The move to release prisoners early comes after a 22-day corrections officer strike earlier this year disrupted the state’s prison system.

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The state eventually fired over 2,000 guards who refused to return to work after the state and guards’ union reached a deal to end the strike. 

The National Guard is still in place to fill those open roles. 

New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order preventing state agencies from hiring guards who were fired for striking.

A spokesperson for Hochul released a statement Tuesday, April 1, saying the governor supports Martuscello’s “efforts to safely address staffing shortages and personnel concerns.”

What is the reaction to releasing inmates early?

Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, who is considering a run for New York governor next year, told Politico that Hochul’s decision is “a dangerous misstep.”

“We need leaders who will tackle tough problems head-on, not resort to quick fixes that compromise the safety of law-abiding citizens,” Lawler added. “New Yorkers deserve better than policies that prioritize criminals over victims.”

New York Republican Sen. Jim Tedesco released a statement that said in part, “I thought it was an April Fool’s joke when I first read that the governor is planning for the early release of convicted felons in our state prison system due to understaffing.”

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Thomas Grant, Community Organizer of the Center for Community Alternatives, released a statement to WSTM News calling the move a “good start,” adding, “This move is far too narrow and excludes tens of thousands of people who have long since demonstrated their readiness to return home and contribute to their communities.”

According to the memo, the directive will allow the inmates to serve the remainder of their sentence under parole supervision when released.