Mohawk Valley Times

State Senator Peter Oberacker expressed his support for correctional officers at Woodbourne Correctional Facility, urging action to address what he describes as dangerous working conditions. The senator's remarks were made in the context of ongoing concerns related to policies implemented under Governor Hochul's administration.

Senator Oberacker criticized current mandates, stating, "Enough is enough, Governor Hochul. Our correctional officers are being assaulted, exposed to lethal narcotics, and forced into grueling shifts thanks to your dangerous mandates." He further accused the Albany Democrat majority of prioritizing criminals over law enforcement safety due to reforms like bail reform and the HALT Act.

The HALT Act limits disciplinary measures for violent inmates, a policy Senator Oberacker seeks to repeal during this legislative session. He emphasized his position by saying, "I firmly support a full repeal of the HALT Act. In the meantime, there should be an immediate pause so we can get our COs safely back into our correctional facilities and restore order to our correctional system."