Coxsackie-Greene CO strike continues Thursday
Protesters demand better conditions, call for repeal of HALT Act
COXSACKIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — From 24 hour shifts due to short staffing, to attacks by inmates. On Thursday, protesters outside Coxsackie Correctional Facility again spoke of alleged poor conditions inside state prisons.
Retired correction officers share their concerns
The ones who spoke were retired correction officers (“CO’s”). Active duty officers wouldn’t speak fearing state retaliation.
“Conditions have deteriorated to the point that none of this would’ve been imaginable 10 years ago. Men standing out here, women in the freezing cold because of what’s going on inside those facilities” said retired CO Ed Ventre.
HALT Act criticized for enabling bad behavior
Demonstrators also demanded a repeal of the HALT Act which limits the use of solitary confinement. They say it gives prisoners the incentive to be insubordinate.
“They’ve taken away all penalties and it’s a free for all in there” said Rudy Palvin. “There has to be discipline in the facility so things are in smoothly for our safety and for the inmates safety” the retired CO added. He worked at Coxsackie from 1988 until 2023.
Some see the strike as a diversion
“The strike started the same week that correction officers were indicted for the torturing and murder of Robert Brooks so it’s no coincidence” said Thomas Gant from the Center for Community Alternatives, earlier this week.
In December, Robert Brooks died after a beating by Marcy corrections officers. Indictments against the involved officers were unsealed Thursday afternoon.
Protesters deny the allegations
One protester denied this is a distraction.
“That’s not why we’re out here” said retired CO Sean Ellis. “I understand sometimes we do buck change and sometimes change is good. Like I said, I’ve been inside for 35 years and I’ve seen a lot of good changes, but the direction this department is going now, it’s not safe” Ellis added. He worked as an officer from 1989 until 2024.
Short staffing persists, say protesters
“No one wants this job anymore. I would never recommend this job to anyone” Palvin added.
Response to Governor’s announcement
NEWS10’s Zion Decoteau shared with some of the demonstrators news that the Governor is suspending certain elements of HALT until prisons can once again be operated safely.
One protester, a retired CO, responded that Governor Kathy Hochul had “no choice” if she wanted officers to show up to work another day.
Conclusion
The Coxsackie-Greene CO strike continues to draw attention to the alleged poor conditions inside state prisons. As the protests persist, it remains to be seen whether the necessary changes will be made to address the concerns of the correction officers and improve the safety and well-being of both officers and inmates.
FAQs
* What is the HALT Act?
The HALT Act is a law that limits the use of solitary confinement in New York state prisons.
* Why are correction officers protesting the HALT Act?
Correction officers claim that the HALT Act has created an environment where prisoners are more likely to be insubordinate and that it has taken away the ability to discipline them.
* What is the reason for the short staffing in state prisons?
According to protesters, no one wants to work in the prisons anymore, and they claim that the conditions are not safe or appealing.
* What is the response of the Governor to the protests?
The Governor has suspended certain elements of the HALT Act until prisons can be operated safely again.
