Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Horicon) toured and participated in a press conference today at the correctional facility located on Rikers Island. He was joined by Assembly Minority members, Correction Officers Benevolent Association (COBA) President Benny Boscio and COBA Legislative Chairman Herman Jiminian to discuss the lack of staffing, unprovoked inmate assaults on correction officers, and the impact of the HALT Act.

“After touring the correctional facility at Rikers Island today, I am completely and utterly ashamed of the treatment of our very own correction officers. Today, we had a productive conversation and the officers demanded that we create real change for their protection and for the HALT Act to be repealed to give authority back to them rather than the inmates. Many correction officers don’t care to finish out their careers and plan to retire early as they fear they might not make it home to their loved ones. We heard from female officers who have been sexually assaulted by inmates on numerous occasions and feel that the punishment for such horrific acts was not severe enough. New York is struggling to retain and recruit correction officers and it seems the only solutions offered are further hindering their safety. I stand with my colleagues in the Assembly as we take today’s conversations back to Albany and stand up for our correction officers,” said Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Horicon)