The AssemblyRepublican Task Force on

Co-ChairmenGary D. Finch, Joseph M. Giglio

March 2010

Workforce Issues in theCorrectional System

Report

N Y S A s s e m b l y R e p u b l i c a n C o n f e r e n c e

Brian M. Kolb,Assembly Republican Leader

The Assembly Republican Task Force on Workforce Issues in the Correctional System

Foreword from Assembly Republican Leader Brian M. Kolb

Few issues are more important than ensuring the collective safety and security of all NewYorkers through the proper supervision of dangerous, incarcerated criminals. This is what weask of the men and women working in our State’s correctional system who risk their lives andpersonal safety on a daily basis enduring some of the most stressful conditions imaginable. Theyperform this increasingly difficult task with professionalism, efficiency and a selfless dedicationthat too often goes unrecognized and underappreciated.New York’s ongoing fiscal crisis and $9.05 billion state budget deficit has put our correctionalsystem – and those working in it – under tremendous personal and financial pressure. Whilethere is an urgent need to maximize efficiencies and save taxpayer dollars in all areas of Stategovernment, this cannot occur at the expense of our correctional system and the personnel whoare literally on the front lines of public safety. More than ever before, we must make certain thatevery dollar of New York’s corrections budget is put to smart use.In recognition of this, the

Assembly Republican Task Force on Workforce Issues in theCorrectional System

was formed in June 2009 to gather suggestions on how to enhance safetyand streamline internal administration within New York’s correctional facilities, while utilizingtaxpayer dollars as economically as possible.

Assemblyman Gary D. Finch

and

Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio,

Ranking Republican onthe Assembly Committee on Correction, were appointed to lead this important Task Force.Between them, they have extensive knowledge about the challenges facing our correctionalsystem. Mr. Finch is a former Ranking Republican Member of the Assembly Committee onCorrection and Mr. Giglio is a former Sheriff’s Department employee and Deputy InspectorGeneral for New York State. Their collective insights, knowledge and practical experience madethem both especially well suited to oversee this important effort.The Task Force held 10 public hearings throughout New York State. Each was well publicized,attended and open to anyone wishing to participate. Task Force members heard and evaluatedcompelling testimony from rank-and-file officers, medical personnel, educators and counselors,along with members of the New York State Correctional Officers & Police BenevolentAssociation, Inc. (NYSCOPBA), the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and thePublic Employees Federation (PEF) who are charged with the day-to-day operationalresponsibility of keeping our correctional facilities safe and secure.

The Assembly Republican Task Force on Workforce Issues in the Correctional System

Numerous invitations were extended to State Department of Correctional Services CommissionerBrian Fischer and other administration officials, who, unfortunately, chose not to testify.I am pleased to present our

Workforce Issues in the Correctional System Report

whichprovides specific policy and programmatic recommendations gathered from the feedback received at our public hearings. These findings will be formally submitted to Governor DavidPaterson, Members of the New York State Legislature, the State Department of CorrectionalServices and the New York State Commission of Correction for enactment as legislativeinitiatives and administrative policies.For more information, suggestions or to request additional copies of this report, please callLaurie Ammerman, Director of my Office of Public Affairs at (518) 455-5073.