We are in the midst of a profound crisis in our nation’s correctional system.
Across the country, our nation’s prisons are dangerously understaffed and overcrowded.
Policymakers must act now to protect the health and safety of correctional staff, incarcerated people, and the public at large.
Prisons across the country are dangerously understaffed, overcrowded, and plagued by rapidly deteriorating conditions.
One Voice United (OVU) and FAMM, two leading organizations representing correctional staff (OVU) and incarcerated people and their families (FAMM), have joined together to form the Safer Prisons, Safer Communities campaign.
For too long, our constituencies have been pitted against one another while the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues, friends, and loved ones has suffered. While it may be surprising to some people that we would work together to draw attention to this crisis, we know our fates are intertwined and we have a shared goal of ensuring the health and safety of everyone who works and lives in prison.
EndorseFor too long, our constituencies have been pitted against one another while the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues, friends, and loved ones has suffered. While it may be surprising to some people that we would work together to draw attention to this crisis, we know our fates are intertwined and we have a shared goal of ensuring the health and safety of everyone who works and lives in prison.
SAFER PRISONS SAFER COMMUNITIES
In The News
February 14, 2025
70% is the new 100%': New York State Department of Corrections workers worry about potential job cuts
Both Republicans and Democrats in the state senate tell me the staff at these facilities are already overworked.
“[Officers] are doing mandated overtime, in some cases, mandated triples, working 24 hours straight with no break,” Republican senator of the NYS 57th district George Borrello said.
“We are understaffed. The workers who work there are being forced to work tremendous amounts of overtime, and the cracks are showing,” Democratic senator of the NYS 61st district Senator Sean M. Ryan said.
Read ArticleFebruary 13, 2025
New York Prison Overrun by Inmates During Staff Shortage Crisis
Collins Correctional Facility, located in Erie County, went under lockdown around 1 a.m. after prisoners barricaded themselves in three separate areas. If you’re wondering how this is even possible considering the amount of staff on site, well, that’s where the problem lies. The facility has been dealing with serious understaffing, which is likely why the inmates targeted certain areas knowing full well there was a lack of security.
Read ArticleFebruary 13, 2025
New York lawmakers question the corrections commissioner on staffing levels in prison
The issue of New York's severely under-staffed prison system has become front and center after Wednesday's inmate uprising at Collins Correctional Facility in Gowanda.
The corrections officers union understaffing was what led in part to inmates being able to take three dormitories for several hours.
"The commissioner just came out with a memo on Monday, ironically, stating that 70% is a new 100%, meaning that they're going to cut 30% of staff," Gold said.
Read Article