Stefanik calls for pause on N.Y. prison visitation

WASHINGTON, D.C. | U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik has joined North Country NYSCOPBA representatives in calling for a pause on state prison visitation policies. On Dec. 10, Stefanik again pushed for prison visits to be halted at all state facilities in light of continued increases of COVID-19 cases among inmates and staff. In joining the New York State Corrections Officers Police Benevolent Association, Stefanik urged the state to restrict visitation at all facilities in order to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Stefanik has repeatedly advocated for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to suspend inmate transfers and implement further precautions in state prisons in order to prioritize the health and safety of both inmates and correction officers. "Once again, Gov. Cuomo is failing to address the valid concerns expressed by our corrections officers who have continued working in state prison facilities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, putting their personal health and safety on the line," Stefanik said. "I have spoken directly with countless correction officers who are rightfully concerned about the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in our North Country prisons. The state must take proactive measures to stop in-person prison visits as a method of reducing exposure for the inmates and the correction officers." Stefanik pledged to remain in close contact with county public-health officials to monitor cases in North Country facilities. According to data provided by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, there have been 42 cases of COVID-19 at Clinton Correctional Facility, including several active cases involving inmates. Instances of COVID-19 at the maximum-security prison spiked in mid-October when a cluster outbreak resulted in more than two dozen subsequent cases. Other facilities, such as Greene and Elmira prisons, also recorded sizeable COVID-19 clusters around that time and continue to combat a spike in cases. According to DOCCS data updated Dec. 9, there were 33 active COVID-19 cases currently associated with Bare Hill Correctional Facility in Malone. Sources told Sun Community News that roughly a dozen correction officers have also tested positive at Clinton Correctional Facility in recent weeks with the majority of all cases being documented after the mid-October outbreak. Statistically, instances of COVID-19 inside New York prisons remained relatively low during the statewide pause until visitation and transfers resumed in early August. "I urge the Governor to take immediate action to keep our inmates, corrections officers, and their families safe," she said in a press release. NYSCOPBA Northern Region Vice President John Roberts said "As COVID-19 cases continue to surge throughout the state and new restrictions on the public are inevitable, now is the time for the Governor and DOCCS to stop all visitations, unnecessary programs and transportation, to help stop the spread of the virus in state prisons." "Staff have been essential employees from day one of the pandemic and they deserve to have the safest work environment possible."

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Stefanik calls for pause on N.Y. prison visitation

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