Rockland Reporter

Last week, Congressman Mike Lawler joined a group of New York Representatives in a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul led by Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22), highlighting concerns about workplace violence and excessive demands faced by New York’s Correction Officers.

“Correctional law enforcement officers routinely report for 8-hour shifts, only to clock out 16 to 24 hours later, because of the overtime required to keep facilities safe. These officers endure the immense physical and psychological demands of their work, combined with unpredictable hours and crippling overtime. They are often working excessive hours, even on days when they were scheduled to be off-duty,” the lawmakers wrote.

“These officers have been subjected to unprecedented levels of workplace violence. This year is on pace to shatter previous years’ records of confirmed violations. In at least one instance, officers have had their fingers bitten off. They have been beaten to the point of permanent disability. Many are convinced that a fellow officer will eventually be killed on account of the policy failures which have allowed the situation to deteriorate to this point. Current staffing shortages have led to an increase in violence between inmates, which poses a threat to officers seeking to intervene,” continued the lawmakers.

The following members wrote alongside Representatives Lawler and Williams, urging action from the Governor:

Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24)

Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21)

Rep. Andrew Garbarino (NY-2)

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (NY-4)

Rep. Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

“We have a responsibility to ensure our law enforcement heroes receive the support they need, and unfortunately, the needs of our corrections officers are often egregiously overlooked,” said Congressman Lawler. “Since the implementation of the HALT Act in New York, instances of physical violence inside corrections facilities have skyrocketed, with officers being severely limited in their ability to confine dangerous inmates, jeopardizing the safety of inmates and officers alike. It’s incumbent on the Governor to revisit current policies and enact measures that address these disturbing trends.”

“New York’s Correction Officers have worked tirelessly to secure the facilities keeping violent criminals off our streets. These men and women deserve our support, and the state must work quickly to address the excessive physical and psychological demands of their profession,” said Congressman Williams. “The stories I have heard, of workplace violence and unreasonable overtime, call for immediate action. I encourage Governor Hochul to stand up for New York’s Correction Officers.”

“Corrections officers risk their lives every day to keep dangerous individuals off our streets and maintain law and order in our prisons. Governor Hochul’s failure to provide adequate support to corrections officers is deeply troubling and highlights the urgent need for state policies that tackle staffing shortages and escalating violence against officers in our prisons. Governor Hochul and Albany Democrats must prioritize the needs of our state’s corrections officers over those of criminals,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.