By Jonathan Burgos –
New York state prisons will release some inmates early because the system does not have enough corrections officers, weeks after the state fired more than 2,000 guards who went on strike over poor working conditions.
Commissioner Daniel Martuscello directed prison leaders to begin identifying inmates who were convicted of minor crimes and already set for release within 15 to 110 days to be considered for an early discharge.
Inmates convicted of major crimes will not have early release. after a widespread corrections officer strike that lasted for 22 days and crippled the operations of the state’s prison system. The state eventually fired more than 2,000 guards who refused to return to work after the state and guards’ union reached a deal to end the work stoppage.
An executive order signed by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul prevents state agencies from hiring guards who were fired for striking.