Updated 07/16/2009 06:10 AM
Assembly representatives hold forum on NYS correctional system
GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. -- It's a simple issue of numbers. Correctional facilities in New York State have seen the inmate population drop dramatically. But so too has the staff in charge of the prisons.
"We went from 130 percent capacity to 102 percent capacity. We had inmates in gyms, hallways, closets where they would keep a bed and a locker and say okay this is where you're gonna' stay. That has dissipated down to 102 percent. We are still over capacity," NYS Correction Officers PBA Legislative Director Chris Leo said,
So far, 850 correctional officer positions have disappeared. And the concern that more jobs could follow brought lawmakers to the area Wednesday night.
"We need to make sure there is safety in these facilities and that the men and women that are on the front lines have that provided to them," said Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava.
The one clear message passed along to the Assembly leaders was that cuts shouldn't be coming from the prison floors, Officers say it would be more effective to cut top administrative positions.
"They are cutting correctional officers that are making $30,000, $40,000, $50,000 that actually watch the inmates, that is the problem," Leo said.
But the spokesperson for the NYS Department of Correctional Services says there is no need to worry that these closures will cause overcrowded and unsafe facilities.
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"Rate of assaults on staff since the consolidations verses before the consolidation, is basically unchanged. And the rate of assault of inmates on other inmates since the consolidation is actually even lower than it was before the consolidation," said Erik Kriss.
Even so, the officers hope their message will be heard back in Albany, that they are traditionally unarmed and outnumbered, a potentially dangerous combination.
The spokesperson for the New York State Department of Correctional Services said the closed facilities will continue to be minimally maintained, but not staffed.
They will be available if and when the department feels overcrowding becomes a severe issue. Correctional officers say that decision might be too little too late.