Congressman Mike Lawler, Assemblyman Matt Slater, and Westchester County Legislator James Nolan visited Sing Sing Correctional Facility to stand in unwavering solidarity with the corrections officers bravely striking at state facilities across New York. These dedicated professionals, who put their lives on the line every day, deserve our full support as they face perilous working conditions that are a direct result of Governor Kathy Hochul’s and the Albany Democrats’ disastrous pro-criminal policies.
Westchester County Legislator James Nolan stated, “The HALT Act has made our correctional facilities more dangerous than ever before. It has stripped officers of the ability to maintain order, leaving them vulnerable to attacks from emboldened inmates. We must repeal this reckless policy before more lives are put at risk.”
Legislator Nolan also charged the Governor for not addressing these critical issues; Governor Hochul has chosen a reckless alternative: deploying 3,500 National Guard members to staff these facilities. This decision is not only irresponsible but also endangers our military personnel, who lack the proper training to handle such volatile and dangerous environments. Correctional facilities require experienced professionals, not ill-prepared servicemen and women placed in harm’s way.
Legislator Nolan stated, “The Governor and Albany Democrats must take immediate action to address this urgent issue. The first step is removing military personnel from these facilities to reduce unnecessary risks for inmates and service members. Additionally, the state must provide correction officers with the proper resources and support they need to perform their duties safely and effectively. These officers deserve a work environment where their safety comes first, ensuring they can go home to their families each day without fear.“
As a retired correction officer with 33 years of experience, I deeply understand the daily dangers and challenges these officers face. Correction officers have one of the most stressful jobs in the nation, dedicating their careers to maintaining safety and order within New York’s prison system. They are overworked and underpaid, tasked with managing a segment of society that no other government entity wants to deal with. Yet, despite their sacrifices, it is rare to see politicians stand in support of them.
That’s why leaders like Congressman Mike Lawler, Assemblyman Matt Slater, and Westchester County Legislator James Nolan deserve recognition for stepping up and advocating for our correction officer’s health and safety. We must relentlessly fight for their rights, insist on safer working conditions, and hold our state leadership accountable for their well-being. These officers are the backbone of our criminal justice system, yet they are undervalued and left to bear an unimaginable burden.
