Hochul seeks to close more prisons, mandate that corrections officers wear cameras

Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed a series of initiatives to reform prisons as part of her budget. It includes requiring body worn cameras to be used at all times and creating a prison oversight board. 

Hochul is also seeking authority to close up to five prisons.

These initiatives were included as amendments to her budget proposal.

Hochul wants correction officers to wear body cameras at all times while on duty. They would also be required to manually activate them during any interaction with an incarcerated person – unless it is an investigation or crisis intervention. They should also be activated when transporting inmates and when a firearm, pepper spray, or baton is removed from its holster, and any instance where staff believes there is an imminent threat.

Hochul closed two prisons last year, including Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Washington County. 

She also would like to create a New York State Commission of Correction within the executive branch. It would consist of three people appointed by the governor. The goal is to develop ways to improve the care, treatment, safety, supervision, rehabilitation and education in these facilities.

The commission would also investigate grievances and complaints.