Some inmates may be released early from state prisons due to staffing shortage

The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision may release some inmates early due to a staffing crisis.

Daniel Martuscello, the DOCCS superintendent, has announced a plan to release incarcerated people with non-violent felony convictions up to 110 days early. But that is only as long as they have suitable housing and did not commit certain sex or drug-related offenses. They will remain under supervision of a parole officer.

Martuscello has asked the superintendents at state prisons to submit a list by noon Friday of inmates who could be eligible for early release. In a memo issued on Monday, he said the early release will strike “the appropriate balance between the safety and well-being of those working and residing in DOCCS correctional facilities and public safety.”

The DOCCS commissioner said eligible inmates can’t be serving a sentence for an A-1 or A-2 non-drug offense, a class B through E violent felony offense, or a sex offense. They need an approved residence, which is not a shelter or a DSS placement, upon release, he said.

State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, told reporters the staffing issue could be solved by hiring back the 2,000 corrections officers who were on strike.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, issued a statement saying the early release of inmates is an insult to the law enforcement community and a serious public safety concern.

“Gov. Hochul’s public safety strategy is beginning to sound like a late April Fools’ joke,” Hawley said. “Not only has she fired thousands of correctional officers across the state, but now she’s letting prisoners out of jail early to try to fix the problem she created. This administration has created a system of anarchy in our state prisons. This is unacceptable, and I will do everything within my power to ensure this policy is reversed and law and order is restored in our state.”