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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Challenges in jail population and staffing levels
0:06:24
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95 sec
The Department of Correction faces significant challenges with an unexpected increase in jail population and a decrease in staff numbers. Despite these difficulties, the department has managed to maintain safety and continue reducing violence indicators.
- Jail population increased to over 7,600 from 6,300 the previous year.
- Uniformed staff decreased to approximately 5,900 from over 6,200 the previous year.
- The department ensures all individuals in custody have beds and can be safely housed.
Francis Torres
0:06:24
Most recently, the department has experienced an unexpected increase in the census driven in large part by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision temporarily suspending intake of state ready individuals due to the wildcat strike.
0:06:49
Today, we have over 7,600 individuals in custody compared to approximately 6,300 this time last year.
0:07:03
In contrast, we have approximately 5,900 uniformed members of service to manage the jails and other critical operations compared to over 6,200 last year.
0:07:18
Despite this, dedicated staff across all divisions have risen to the call and throughout this challenge, we have ensured that all people coming into our care have a bed and can be safely housed.
0:07:37
During this period, important violence indicators have continued to trend downward.
0:07:44
We continue to collaborate with partners throughout the criminal justice system to ensure people in custody are moving expeditiously through the court process and are not lingering in our custody longer than they should.