Albany’s decision to fire over 2,000 correction officers in response to a prolonged strike is a shortsighted and reckless move that will have dire consequences for New York’s already struggling prison system. Instead of addressing the systemic issues plaguing state correctional facilities—such as chronic understaffing, unsafe working conditions, and rising inmate violence—state leadership has chosen to punish those who put their lives on the line daily. This move is not only an injustice to the officers who were standing up for their rights, but it will also create a dangerous environment for those still on the job and the incarcerated individuals they oversee.
The state’s correctional facilities are in crisis. Long shifts, forced overtime, and insufficient staffing levels have made it nearly impossible for officers to perform their duties effectively. Correction officers may not be in the public spotlight, but their work is crucial to overall public safety. They are the backbone of the state’s prison system, ensuring security and order in some of the most dangerous environments. Rather than working to remedy these conditions, Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democratic-led Albany establishment have decided to wield an iron fist, demonstrating a stunning disregard for both the officers and the inmates. Firing 2,000 officers does nothing to alleviate the staffing shortages that have plagued prisons for years. Instead, it exacerbates an already perilous situation by stripping facilities of experienced personnel, leaving prisons woefully unprepared to maintain order.
The justification for the mass termination stems from the 22-day strike, which correction officers initiated in response to dangerous working conditions and policy changes that have made their jobs even more difficult. The controversial HALT Act, which restricts the use of solitary confinement, has emboldened violent inmates while simultaneously undermining the authority of prison staff. Officers walked out in protest, demanding a safer work environment and better support from the state. Instead of engaging in meaningful negotiations, the administration responded with mass firings—sending a clear message that the voices of correction officers do not matter.
This decision raises serious concerns about safety within New York’s prisons. With thousands of officers suddenly dismissed, the state is now forced to rely on an unprepared and insufficiently trained workforce. Governor Hochul’s choice to bring in the National Guard has put untrained soldiers in danger. National Guardsmen have reported deplorable conditions inside the prisons, with one stating, “Each prison is different, but across the board, it’s just terrible. We all agree that Afghanistan was better than the conditions in these prisons.“
They also described inadequate living arrangements, such as sleeping on dirty floors in unheated, sometimes condemned buildings and facing direct interactions with inmates without proper training. Additionally, reports indicate that Guardsmen have been working 12-hour shifts and then resting on cots or mats set up in gymnasiums or locker rooms. National Guard troops lack the specialized training and experience needed to manage a prison population, leading to a volatile and unpredictable environment where both staff and inmates are at greater risk of violence.
In my 33 years as a correction officer, I have witnessed firsthand the warning signs that often precede a riot: untrained or ineffective supervision, deteriorating living conditions, and overworked correctional staff. History has already shown us what happens when these issues are ignored—those who understand the past know what not to do. The Attica riot was a textbook lesson in mismanagement, neglect, and the devastating consequences of failing to address systemic problems. Yet, it seems Governor Hochul and the Democrats have forgotten history, once again prioritizing politics over safety. When correction officers bring attention to poor conditions for both staff and inmates, they are not just sounding an alarm—they are exposing the very factors that create a breeding ground for unrest. If these warnings continue to go unheeded, history may tragically repeat itself.
Moreover, firing these officers will have ripple effects beyond the prison walls. The loss of thousands of stable, middle-class jobs will have economic consequences for communities across the state. Many of these officers dedicated their careers to public service, and their abrupt dismissal leaves them in financial ruin while deterring others from considering law enforcement careers in the future. If Albany thinks this decision will strengthen the corrections system, they are gravely mistaken. The firing of 2,000 officers not only deepens the crisis within state prisons but also exposes the Democratic leadership’s failure to govern effectively.
Rather than punishing correction officers, the state should be working with them to improve conditions and make prisons safer for everyone. Addressing staffing shortages, revising harmful policies, and ensuring that officers receive adequate support would be a far more responsible approach. Unfortunately, Albany has chosen to double down on failed policies and political power plays instead of implementing real solutions.
It is the height of hypocrisy for Democrats like Governor Hochul to claim they stand for protecting federal government jobs while simultaneously firing 2,000 correction officers in her own state—officers who were simply fighting for the safety of their facilities and the public. The governor’s actions speak louder than her words, and the devastating impact on New York’s correctional system will be felt for years to come.
If the correction officers’ unions throughout the state actually had a backbone, this heartless action by the state legislature could mark the beginning of the end for a Democratic-led governor and state legislature. There are retirees, family members, and active-duty officers—approximately 35,000 correction officers across New York State, NYC, and its counties. If they unite and vote together, it would bring a sweeping change in Albany.
Correction officers have long been the forgotten and disregarded workforce of New York State politicians, whether at the county or state level. Their sacrifices and struggles have been ignored for far too long. Now is the time for them and their families to stand up against these unjust decisions.
