In a recent development, correction officials confirmed the impending closure of two maximum-security correctional institutions located in the upstate region that currently host almost 1,000 inmates. These prisons, known as the Great Meadow Correctional facility housed in Washington County and the Sullivan Correctional Facility positioned in Sullivan County, are set to cease operations on the 6th of November as stated by the state’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
With these closures, plans are already in place for the nearly thousand inmates currently housed in both facilities. The inmates are scheduled to be moved to the 13 remaining maximum security prisons across the state, as conveyed by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. This plan is an essential part of the overall strategy to manage the inmate population within the existing prison infrastructure.
Interestingly, the department did not eliminate the possibility of more prison closures in the foreseeable future. In fact, according to a provision in the state’s budget approved earlier this year, up to five facilities can be shut down. This enables the department to continue with a policy of reducing the number of active penitentiaries if deemed necessary.
These decisions didn’t sit well with correction officers and members of the Republican party, especially those representing the districts where the prisons are located. They were swift in their condemnation of these decisions, expressing concerns about the impact on the local communities as well as employment.
State Senator Jake Ashby of Washington, in which the Great Meadows facility is located, was particularly vociferous in his condemnation. He defined the closure as an act that not only erases jobs but also carries the potential to cause a considerable negative impact on the community. He emphasized the discrepancy between the projected numbers and the real statistics which may paint a different picture.
State Senator Peter Oberacker, representing the Sullivan Correctional Facility district, echoed these sentiments. He expressed the opinion that any changes to the correctional system should come only after thorough planning and with a clear roadmap to alleviate the negative economic impact on employees and the local society.
The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision assures that over 900 staff members employed in these two facilities will have the opportunity to be reassigned to other operating locations. This assurance is part of their plan to manage the human resource aspect following the closures.
Reacting to this assertion, the union representing the correctional officers criticized the proposed plan. They argued that the possibility of reassignment might not be a viable solution for many employees may opt for retirement or seek alternative employment instead of forcing their families to relocate.
The union spokesperson, Summers, criticized the Democratic push for prison reforms such as the cessation of solitary confinement and the introduction of new prison programs. Summers pointed out the lack of parallel initiatives to increase staff levels required for such reforms.
The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision stated that since 1999, the prison population of New York has witnessed a significant decline. Roughly 73,000 individuals were incarcerated behind the state bars in 1999, and as of the latest report, that figure stands at approximately 33,000.
The department outlined their forecast, stating if an upswing in recruitment isn’t observed, they might have to contemplate additional prison closures within the current financial year. This plan underscores the intricate balancing act between inmate population management and prison infrastructure.
In a statement released by the department, they indicated the possibility of further closures if the department doesn’t witness an increase in recruitment. They painted a picture of the future, in which it may be necessary to consider shuttering more facilities within the budget year.
In summary, the correctional landscape in the state is set to undergo significant changes involving the closure of prisons and the potential displacement of staff and inmates. These actions have sparked a vigorous debate, putting the spotlight on prison reforms, community impact, and employee welfare.