A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)
As a proud advocate for those who serve on the front lines of public safety, I am deeply concerned about the challenges facing our correction officers here in New York. These brave men and women put their lives on the line every single day, often working in dangerous and stressful environments to keep our communities safe. It is time we stand with them, listen to their concerns and ensure they receive the respect and support they so rightfully deserve. Currently, correction officers are fighting for better working conditions and recognition of their critical role in maintaining order within our correctional facilities. It’s crucial to understand that this is not about asking for handouts; it’s about ensuring their safety, well-being and fair compensation for the vital work they do. Too often, correction officers are underappreciated, overlooked and placed in increasingly difficult situations without the resources or support they need. Our state cannot function without these dedicated public servants, and it’s time we show them the respect they’ve earned. One of the most significant issues at the heart of the current dispute is the need for better working conditions. Overcrowded facilities, insufficient staffing levels and a lack of proper equipment and training have created an environment where correction officers are at an increased risk of injury or even death. Prison violence has surged in recent years, a direct consequence of these untenable conditions. Without the necessary resources to manage increasingly volatile populations, correction officers find themselves caught in the crossfire of a system that is simply not working. In addition to these pressing concerns, we must address a law that has only exacerbated the situation—the HALT Act. While it was intended to limit the use of solitary confinement as a form of punishment, the HALT Act has created unintended consequences that have made our correctional facilities more dangerous. By severely limiting the ability to isolate violent or disruptive inmates, we have inadvertently placed our correction officers in greater jeopardy. The result? Increased violence in our prisons with inmate-on-inmate violence increasing 169%. In addition, Inmate-on-staff violence has increased by 76%. The HALT Act needs to be repealed. It does not help correction officers. It limits their ability to maintain control in facilities where dangerous individuals can wreak havoc. It’s imperative that we empower correction officers with the tools and authority they need to keep our institutions safe. By allowing correction officers to use appropriate measures to address violent behavior, we can reduce overall violence in our facilities and better protect those who work within them. As your assemblyman, I will continue to push for legislative reforms that prioritize the safety and security of our correction officers, including a repeal of the HALT Act. I stand with our correction officers in their fight for fair treatment, better working conditions and the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. We cannot continue to ignore the real challenges they face. It is time we recognize their sacrifice and take action to support them—because when we stand up for our correction officers, we stand up for public safety in our communities. Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website.
