Buffalo Ledger

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, representing Elma, alongside members of the Senate Minority Conference, has called for Governor Hochul to take immediate action in response to recent prison strikes. They urge the Governor to use an Executive Order to repeal the HALT Act.

Correction officers have been striking across numerous state facilities due to worsening work conditions. These include understaffing, mandatory overtime, and excessively long shifts. The HALT Act is cited as a contributing factor that complicates their roles. A report from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision indicates an 85% rise in assaults on correction officers from 2019 to 2024.

“Corrections Officers have one of the most difficult jobs in law enforcement,” stated Senator Gallivan. He criticized staffing shortages and policy changes like the HALT Act for exacerbating dangerous environments within prisons. He emphasized the state's duty to ensure adequate staffing and resources for safety in correctional facilities.

The HALT Act, effective since 2022, limits segregated confinement for rule-breaking inmates, which Senator Gallivan argues removes a deterrent against violent behavior. He voted against this measure.

Senator Gallivan stressed the need for immediate legislative and executive action to restore safe working conditions and support law enforcement professionals: “Everyone who lives, works, and visits our correctional facilities deserves a safe and secure environment.”

The Senate Minority Conference proposed several measures aimed at improving safety:

- S.2656: Repeals the HALT Act.

- S.3087: Mandates DOCCS to implement a contraband screening plan using drug-detecting canines at facility entrances and establishes a third-party secure vendor mail program.

- S.4422: Requires visitors to undergo body scans before entering correctional facilities.

Family members of Correction Officers joined senators at a news conference held at the NY State Capitol on Monday.