Capitol Rallies Split on HALT Act
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Simultaneous rallies occurred at the capitol on Tuesday with contrasting messages. Hundreds of correction officers protesting outside wanted the HALT Act (which limits solitary confinement) repealed. Dozens of inmate justice activists joined by lawmakers wanted the HALT Act preserved.
Pro-HALT Rally
Inside: “HALT is the law!” prison reform activist Jerome Wright proclaimed. “We’re never going back to the normal that you want us to go back to!” he continued.
Opponents of HALT Act
Outside: “Hold the line!” chanted hundreds of protesters, many of whom were correction officers. “You need to hold every single legislator who voted for this monstrosity called the HALT Act which makes your lives unsafe, You need to hold every one of them responsible,” said Republican Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin through a bullhorn.
The Debate
On both sides of the capitol, were dual positions on the argument about HALT. The act limits the use of solitary confinement in state prisons. It’s one of the main reasons why COs walked off the job two weeks ago. Correction officers symbolically turned their back on the capital, saying Governor Hochul turned her back on them.
Concerns over Safety
Traveling across the state from Erie County was Brandy Krolczyk who has correction officer family members.
“As of right now none of them are going back until their safety is heard,” said Krolczyk. “My daughter’s aunt has missed three out of four of my daughter’s birthdays because she has been mandated to cover shifts up to 24 hours” she added. “When they get spit on, punched, kicked, stabbed, they are supposed to not do anything,” Krolczyk continued.
She says HALT is necessary to protect officers from inmate brutality, but opponents say: “If the violence is up, it’s because you are the ones perpetuating it! If you look at their own statistics, the assaults on them have been minimal if any” claimed Wright.
Statistics
According to DOCCS, there were 1,938 Assaults on statewide prison staff, but 2,697 assaults on inmates. On top of maintaining HALT, the activists want the passage of several bills including the Rights Behind Bars Act which challenges the condition of confinement in jails.
Lawyer for COs
Attorney Michael Sussman is representing COs striking outside the NYSCOPBA union who feel their demands aren’t being heard.
“I think it’s critical these people have a seat at the table and I given an opportunity as they had here today to express themselves I don’t think they should be a politicized issue I’m a Democrat,” said Sussman.
Mid-State Correctional Facility
Meanwhile, 15 correction officers and other staff members at Mid-State correctional facility– have now been put on administrative leave, after the death of a 22 year old inmate. Investigators say Messiah Nantwi died at the Utica area prison on saturday. He was serving a five-year sentence for weapons charges. The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) did not share the circumstances around Nantwi’s death. The New York Attorney General’s office is conducting a preliminary review of the incident. Midstate is across the street from Marcy Correctional where six correction officers beat inmate Robert Brooks to death in December 2024.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding the HALT Act has brought to light the concerns and fears of both correction officers and inmate justice activists. While some see the act as necessary to protect officers, others believe it is a necessary step towards reforming the system and reducing violence in prisons.
FAQs
Q: What is the HALT Act?
A: The HALT Act limits the use of solitary confinement in state prisons.
Q: Why are correction officers opposing the HALT Act?
A: Correction officers feel the act makes their lives unsafe and puts them at risk of assault.
Q: What do inmate justice activists want?
A: Inmate justice activists want the passage of the HALT Act and other bills to challenge the condition of confinement in jails.
Q: What is the current situation at Mid-State correctional facility?
A: 15 correction officers and other staff members at Mid-State correctional facility have been put on administrative leave following the death of an inmate.
