Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) is once again raising concern about staffing inside New York State prisons following an announcement this week by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) that it will consolidate operations at Collins Correctional Facility and close another facility in Franklin County.

Under the plan, two facilities at Collins will be consolidated to one to accommodate about 590 inmates. DOCCS says the transition should be complete by the end of the fiscal year in March.

"New York State has an obligation to ensure that correctional facilities are adequately staffed and secure,” Senator Gallivan said. “DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello advised me of plans to consolidate operations at Collins to fulfill this obligation. He assured me that this change will have no impact on staff currently assigned to the facility.”

DOCCS also announced the closing of Bare Hill Correctional Facility, a medium-security prison in Malone. Staff at Bare Hill will be offered jobs at other facilities. 

“I remain concerned with staffing levels and policy issues that negatively impact operations within our correctional facilities, and believe DOCCS must do more to ensure that officers across the state have the resources, training and tools necessary to keep everyone in our prisons safe,” Senator Gallivan said.  

Since 2009, New York has closed more than two dozen prisons. The current state budget authorized the governor to close up to three of the state’s remaining 42 facilities. Senator Gallivan opposed the plan.

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