By Keith Brown
I debated against the bill sponsor of the HALT [Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement] Act on the Assembly Chamber Floor in 2021, the year the bill was chaptered, because it was flawed legislation. I was against the HALT Act then, and I’m against it now; it is not in New Yorkers’ best interests. Not only has the HALT Act hamstrung correctional officers in our state prisons when it comes to dealing with unruly inmates, but it has also reinforced the notion that the state values criminals over correctional officers.
Staffing shortages, retention and salary issues, mandatory overtime and the disastrous repercussions of the HALT Act have crippled New York state’s prison system. Escalating violence and inadequate security measures have created dangerous work environments for correctional officers who are just trying to do their jobs. This is ridiculous and must be stopped immediately.
To ensure state correctional facilities are safe for both inmates and staff, the governor must put correctional officers first, repeal the dangerous HALT Act and offer necessary resources and support for our officers working tirelessly to keep our state prisons running smoothly. I fully support our correction officers and am proud to join my Assembly Republican Conference colleagues in the fight to improve safety conditions in our prisons statewide!
Assemblyman Keith P. Brown (R,C-Northport) represents the 12th Assembly District, which includes parts of Suffolk County, encompassing the vibrant towns of Huntington, Babylon and Islip.