NYSDOCCS proposes latest set of revisions to improve prison safety

ALBANY- A set of proposed changes to further strengthen and improve prison safety in New York State has been revealed from the NYSDOCCS.

These revisions primarily focus around New York’s HALT Act, which has been a topic of controversy since its enactment in 2021.

It was designed with the prisoner population in mind, but there are several critics who say HALT makes the job of being a Corrections Officer more dangerous than it needs to be.

Some of the highlight revisions in this proposal include a clarification that sexual harassment, lewd conduct, extortion and attempted escape are all behaviors that make someone eligible for solitary confinement; greater flexibility in allowing solitary confinement for acts that are heinous and destructive; and modifications to existing positive incentive programs.

All of these proposed changes need a final approval from legislators and that could come as late as June, 2026.

We have been in touch with the office of New York State Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush for more details to be aired soon.

NYS Prison image.