Suffolk County in New York is facing a challenging situation as its jails are currently housing 125 felons who were supposed to be transferred to state prisons upstate. The delay in the transfer of these inmates is being attributed to chaos in the state government, according to County Executive Ed Romaine.
Romaine pointed fingers at Governor Kathy Hochul, stating that the state’s failure to take these convicted felons is putting a strain on the county’s resources and creating a dangerous situation for jail staff. He mentioned that the state’s decision to fire 2,000 corrections officers who were striking for better working conditions, as well as the closure of prisons, has led to the backlog in transferring inmates.
Under state law, inmates sentenced to state prison should be transferred within 10 business days. However, due to the recent labor unrest and staffing shortages, this timeline has been disrupted, causing complications for both the administration and the inmates themselves. The overcrowding in the county jails is a concern, especially as the majority of the detainees are awaiting trial for low-level crimes and are now housed with convicted criminals who were meant to be temporary residents.
Romaine expressed worries about the safety and management of staff in the jails, highlighting the strain on resources and the additional costs incurred by the county. While the state is reimbursing Suffolk $100 per day for each inmate, the county is spending $250 per day, resulting in taxpayers footing the bill for the $150 difference. The overtime costs associated with the increased number of inmates are also adding to the financial burden.
If the backlog persists, Romaine cautioned that it could lead to overcrowding and undermine the progress made in improving jail conditions. He emphasized the need for a long-term solution to address the situation and ensure the safety of both staff and inmates. The county is urging the state to take responsibility for the transfer of these felons and provide adequate support to alleviate the strain on Suffolk County’s resources.
