Hochul wants to close up to 5 more prisons

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — For the second year in a row, Gov. Kathy Hochul seeks authority to close as many as five more prisons.

Unlike other years, the proposal comes as thousands of correction officers continue their unlawful strike for better working conditions.

Hochul’s request is included in a two-page budget amendment, which is slim on details. The amendment is subject to negotiations with the state legislature, which typically approves a budget by April 1.

The amendment does not name specific prisons considered for closure.

Since 2011, the state has closed more than two dozen prisons, citing a decline in inmate population. In 2021, the state closed the Gowanda Correctional Facility.

Hochul’s budget amendment, released late last week, includes one significant change: the state would only have to provide 90 days notice, when in the past, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) had a year to plan for prison closings.

The governor’s office did not immediately respond to questions.

NYSCOPBA, the union representing correction officers, declined to comment on the amendment.

On Feb. 19, an Erie County Supreme Court judge issued a temporary restraining order that called for an end to the strike. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday morning.

Nevertheless, correction officers throughout the state have refused to return to work.

Hochul releases 30-day amendments on prison bodycams and closures

Correction officers are demanding safer work conditions, more staffing with a reduction in working hours, and the abolishment of the HALT Act, which restricts the duration of confinement in special housing units, also known as solitary confinement. Mediation efforts between DOCCS and the union started Monday.

Staffing levels are so low thatHochul called in the National Guard.

“The strikers continue to endanger the well-being of the staff and National Guard working to maintain the safety of the facilities and the incarcerated population,” DOCCS spokesman Thomas Mailey said.

Mailey said any officer “failing to report to work is considered absent without leave and will be docked a day’s pay for every day on strike.”

As the strike continues, inmates and their family members report deteriorating conditions at some prisons.

One inmate described a section inside Woodbourne Correctional Facility as an “apocalyptic war,” according to a recorded phone call obtained by News 4 Investigates. The prison is about 290 miles southeast of Buffalo in Sullivan County.

News 4 Investigates has been unable to verify the inmate’s description inside Woodbourne.

According to a report by New York Focus two days ago, inmates at some prisons complained about a lack of food, showers, and medical care.

On Saturday, DOCCS confirmed the death of an inmate at Auburn Correctional Facility in Cayuga County, about 100 miles east of Buffalo.

“The Department remains focused on keeping everyone inside the correctional facilities safe and secure, as well as providing essential services including but not limited to meals, showers, telephones, commissary and delivery of packages, along with medical and mental health care, including medication,” Mailey said, “In some facilities we have begun offering recreation as well.”

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Dan Telvock is an award-winning investigative producer and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2018. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

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