DOCCS, NYSCOPBA update ongoing mediation

ALBANY | Mediation between the NYS Office of Employee Relations, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association continued Tuesday with all sides voicing progress in the effort. In a statement, DOCCS said "The first day of mediation with DOCCS, the NYS Office of Employee Relations and NYTSCOPBA went well, with both sides engaging constructively and putting forth their main points and the goals they hope to accomplish through this process. Mediation is set to continue today as discussion moves forward. "At the same time, the illegal strike by correction officers remains ongoing, now entering its ninth day. We remain focused on the safety and security of our staff, the National Guard assisting in the correctional facilities and the incarcerated population. "We appreciate the ongoing efforts of all parties involved in the mediation and will continue to provide updates as discussions progress." NYSCOPBA representatives said Monday's mediation continued late in the afternoon "and there were extensive discussions with the State and DOCCS on the need for operational changes, including immediately suspending certain provisions of HALT during the staffing crisis, potential legislative changes to permanently change HALT, elimination of triple shifts, legal mail scanning, no departmental discipline for members considered AWOL, increased recruitment efforts and incentives to bolster staffing." On Tuesday, DOCCS continued moving inmates out of Collins Correctional Facility to ease a stark staffing crisis at that facility. Also on Tuesday, New York State Police said they are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Feb. 12 dorm takeover at Collins Correctional, which partially fueled the strike as a culminating factor in the ongoing safety concerns. The Troop A Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation and working with the DOCCS Office of Special Investigations to review evidence, including body-worn camera footage. Visitation remains canceled at facilities statewide as the negotiations continue.

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DOCCS, NYSCOPBA update ongoing mediation

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