West NY News

Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. has called for the repeal of New York State’s HALT Act, expressing concern over its impact on correctional facilities. Wendel also voiced opposition to Governor Kathy Hochul's executive order that bars terminated correctional officers from future state employment.

“The situation in New York’s correctional facilities has reached a crisis point,” said Wendel. He highlighted an increase in assaults against staff and inmates since the HALT Act's enactment, calling it "completely unacceptable."

Governor Hochul issued an executive order on March 11, 2025, preventing correctional officers who were terminated after a recent strike from obtaining future state employment. The strike was driven by concerns about prison safety conditions and issues related to the HALT Act.

“I wholeheartedly disagree with the Governor’s decision barring these officers from public service,” Wendel stated. He emphasized the need for experienced correctional officers and urged reconsideration of their exclusion from public service roles.

During the strike, nearly 2,000 officers were terminated after refusing to return to work despite threats of termination by the New York State Department of Corrections. A report indicated an 85% increase in assaults on correctional officers and a rise in inmate-on-inmate violence since the HALT Act's implementation.

“The HALT Act has made New York’s prisons more dangerous for everyone—officers, staff, and inmates alike,” Wendel continued. He called for immediate action to repeal the act and reinstate willing terminated officers.

Wendel reaffirmed his support for safer working conditions for correctional officers and urged state leadership to pursue meaningful reforms. “It’s time for the Governor and the Legislature to listen to those on the front lines,” he said.

As County Executive, Wendel encourages former correctional officers considering career changes to explore opportunities within Chautauqua County Government through CHQGov.com/jobs. “To those who have dedicated their careers to public safety and now find themselves unfairly cast aside, I want to extend a warm welcome,” he stated.