Niagara Leader

In Collins, New York, a gathering of Republican state lawmakers expressed strong objections to recent actions by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, alongside Senator George Borrello, Assemblyman David DiPietro, and Assemblyman Paul Bologna, voiced their concerns at the Collins Correctional Facility over DOCCS's decision to release inmates before the end of their sentences.

The controversy stemmed from a memo circulated by DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello, who announced a plan to release inmates early due to a staffing crisis. Senator Rob Ortt criticized Governor Kathy Hochul and her department, stating, "DOCCS’ decision to release inmates before the completion of these individuals' sentences is the result of Governor Hochul and her department’s complete and utter failure to protect our correctional officers and adequately staff our correctional facilities."

Senator George Borrello condemned the decision as an "outrageous betrayal of public trust," and called for the reinstatement of terminated correction officers to restore order and safety in state prisons. Assemblyman David DiPietro referred to the situation as "another disgraceful consequence of Albany’s pro-criminal agenda."

Assemblyman Angelo Morinello emphasized the negative impact of firing over 2,000 correction officers, asserting that their removal undermines the safety and order within correctional facilities. He advocated for rehiring the experienced officers to maintain institutional security.

Assemblyman Paul Bologna labeled the situation as a "grotesque abuse of power" and urged the legislature to correct what he considers an egregious mistake, demanding the repeal of the HALT Act to ensure public safety.

Senator Patrick Gallivan remarked on the exacerbation of the staffing crisis due to the layoffs, calling for the rehiring of correction officers. Senator Ortt concluded with a push for legislative action to support law enforcement, stating, "To keep our communities and correction officers safe, we must rehire terminated officers, recruit more officers, end the ridiculous amount of mandatory overtime, and repeal, not just pause, the HALT Act."