West NY News

IRVING, NY – Senator George Borrello, alongside several legislative colleagues, local law enforcement members, and representatives from the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), has called on Governor Hochul to issue an executive order suspending full-contact visitation in state prisons. This request aims to curb the inflow of deadly drugs into these facilities.

The demand follows several life-threatening incidents where correctional officers and staff became dangerously ill from exposure to suspected fentanyl and other unknown drugs during interactions with inmates.

In a letter addressed to the Governor, legislators highlighted three recent instances within the last ten days where correctional officers and sergeants fell gravely ill and required emergency hospital care after coming into contact with unknown drugs while attending to inmates. These incidents occurred on August 4 and 13 at Collins Correctional Facility and August 8 at Wyoming Correctional Facility.

“The recent series of hazardous drug exposures that have put the lives of NYSCOPBA members at risk are a wake-up call that current security procedures are failing. Even the smallest amounts of a deadly drug like fentanyl or other synthetic opioids can be life-threatening. The seriousness of these incidents demands a serious response, which is why we are calling on the governor to suspend full-contact visitation until better screening protocols can be put in place,” said Senator Borrello.

Senator Borrello questioned why body scanners authorized in the 2023 state budget to detect contraband are not being used for screening prison visitors.

“We have access to technology that can greatly reduce the incidence of drugs and other contraband coming into the prisons. However, by all accounts it is not being used to screen visitors, as it was intended,” said Borrello. “It’s outrageous and another example of the criminal coddling mindset that has brought us to this point.”

Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio, Assembly Minority Conference Ranking Member on the Corrections Committee, emphasized the need for immediate action by Governor Hochul.

“Like all law-enforcement officers, the brave men and women who protect law-abiding New Yorkers as corrections officers risk their lives every day to keep the rest of us safe. The governor likes to say that her number one job is to protect all New Yorkers; well, this is her opportunity to do that,” said Giglio. “Drugs are entering our prison system, endangering the lives of corrections officers and inmates. We know the danger and we know how to stop it. But it requires executive action by the governor. She needs to find the courage of her convictions and do the right thing to save lives.”

Senator Patrick Gallivan also expressed concern about recent incidents at Collins Correctional Facility.

“Recent incidents at Collins Correctional Facility and elsewhere serve as reminders of the dangers correctional officers and other staff members face every day. We should all be concerned about their safety in our prisons,” said Gallivan, Ranking Member of Crime Victims, Crime & Corrections Committee. “The governor and Department of Corrections must take immediate action.”

Assemblyman Stephen Hawley echoed similar sentiments regarding security measures.

“Our correctional officers have been overworked, underpaid, mistreated by a Majority Conference more concerned with making convicted criminals comfortable than keeping these officers safe,” said Hawley. “These incidents show our current security measures have failed; they must be investigated immediately.”

NYSCOPBA leaders reported increasing stress among their members due to rising violence in prisons, chronic understaffing resulting in frequent mandatory overtime shifts up to 24 hours long, compounded by concerns over accidental exposure to lethal drugs while working.

“The dedicated men and women of NYSCOPBA have been facing an alarming rise in violence within our prisons," stated Chris Summers, NYSCOPBA President. "Immediate action is necessary for ensuring a safe work environment."

Kenny Gold added: “Our members walk inside daily without knowing if they will return home due ongoing violence... now faced with fellow Officers going hospital frequently exposed unknown substances... thankful certain legislators like Senator Borrello listening helping members... hope Governor realizes duty protecting staff working state prisons not just convicted living there."

The letter sent by Senator Borrello along with his legislative colleagues remains attached for reference.