Union Cites Increased Violence, Need for Safer Prisons
For Immediate Release
November 8, 2021
ALBANY, NY – Today, President Michael Powers, who represents 21,000 NYSCOPBA members, issued a statement criticizing DOCCS’ announcement that six correctional facilities will be closed by Spring 2022, affecting over 1200 hardworking employees whose lives will be uprooted as a result of today’s announcement.
“If people have been paying attention to the past decade of poor decisions made by our elected leaders in Albany, today’s news shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone. The State’s progressive polices are costly and need to be funded somehow. Sadly it’s at the expense of the hard working men and women of NYSCOPBA. The numbers tell the real story; despite closing over two dozen facilities the past 10 years, violent attacks on our members have doubled and yet nothing is being done to address it. Where is the reinvestment in the facilities to make these prisons safer working environments? My heart goes out to all of the individuals whose lives have been severely impacted by this announcement and know that our organization will hold the department accountable every step of the way. At some point, the State needs to realize that these choices are more than just buildings and tax-saving measures, these are life-altering decisions that upend lives and destroy communities.” – Michael Powers, NYSCOPBA President