Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) today expressed skepticism regarding measures to limit deterrence strategies in New York State’s increasingly dangerous prisons. Palmesano is worried that the settlement reached between progressive activists and the governor will put correction officers at risk.

“Staff cuts and ever-tightening corrections budgets have created a volatile environment inside our prisons,” said Palmesano. “At a time when assaults on officers are at an all-time high, it doesn’t make sense to constrain their efforts to encourage good behavior. Solitary confinement may sound controversial, but housing the most consistently violent, dangerous and disruptive inmates away from other members of the prison population promotes safety for all parties involved.”

The deal will roughly cut in half the number of infractions that can result in isolation for felons. It also caps how long these convicts can be kept away from other prisoners.

“I have confidence in our correction officers. They have an incredibly difficult job, and they need to be able to use their discretion and trust their instincts. While this settlement may be welcome news for our most violent criminals, it does nothing to help enhance the safety for our brave men and women working in our correctional system, and it won’t keep inmates making an honest attempt at rehabilitation safe from the most brutal, violent felons you can imagine,” said Palmesano.

Over the last 18 months, Palmesano has toured six correctional facilities in the region, including two in his district. They are Livingston Correctional Facility, Groveland Correctional Facility, Five Points Correctional Facility, Elmira Correctional Facility, Southport Correctional Facility and Willard Drug Treatment Campus. Palmesano has constituents working at each of the regional facilities.

“I am proud to represent a large number of our correction officers, and I thank them for their dedicated service and commitment to public safety,” said Palmesano.