New York Prisons to Release Inmates Early to Address Staffing Crisis

The move follows a 22-day strike by correctional officers, mass firings, and ongoing staffing shortages across the state’s prison system.

New York prisons will release inmates convicted of minor crimes who are within 15 to 110 days of their approved release date to alleviate staffing shortages.
The staffing crisis stems from the firing of over 2,000 correctional officers who participated in an illegal 22-day strike over poor working conditions and mandatory overtime.
Governor Kathy Hochul has barred the rehiring of fired officers and deployed National Guard troops to help stabilize prison operations.
The state is also preparing to close up to five correctional facilities, with 90 days' notice required for any closures.
Critics, including Republican lawmakers, have blamed Hochul’s policies for exacerbating the crisis and endangering public safety.