New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul is releasing hundreds of convicts from the state prison system following her move to fire thousands of correctional officers who went on strike over unsafe work conditions.
A memo from New York State Department of Corrections (DOCCS) Commissioner Daniel Martuscello was released Monday, ordering prison superintendents to start figuring out which inmates qualify for early release, per new rules.
“In view of the current staffing crisis, and in order to have the approppriate balance between safety and well-being of those working and residing in DOCCS Correctional Facilities and public safety, it is appropriate that I, as Commissioner, exercise my authority pursuant to … move individuals from the Department’s general conferment facilities, into Residential Treatment outcount status,” the memo reads.
Hochul approved the memo, with the governor’s spokesman Matt Janiszewski saying that her “top priority is the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers.”
“The Governor is aware of Commissioner Martuscello’s memo and supports his efforts to safely address staffing shortages and personnel concerns,” Janiszewski added.
The governor was criticized for the move, especially considering her involvement in creating the officer shortage and overall increasing crime rates in New York, despite Hochul’s misleading claims.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) called Hochul’s decision to back the early release of some inmates “a dangerous misstep that puts all New Yorkers at risk.”
“Albany Democrats’ pro-criminal policies, like the HALT Act, have crippled our prisons, leaving them understaffed and unsafe while crime surges in our communities,” Lawler’s statement said. “We need leaders who will tackle tough problems head-on, not resort to quick fixes that compromise the safety of law-abiding citizens. New Yorkers deserve better than policies that prioritize criminals over victims.”
“Kathy Hochul closed prisons and fired prison guards and now — citing overcrowding and insufficient staff — is releasing convicts from prison, just in time to buy favor with pro-criminal Democrats in the Assembly and Senate,” Rochester-based journalist and radio host Bob Lonsberry reacted. “What a funny coincidence.”
Related: Hochul Backs Down After NY Counties Vow To Defy Order Banning Fired Officers From Work
