Saratoga Standard

Senator Dan Stec has called for the resignation of Daniel Martuscello III, the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). This demand arises as correction officers throughout New York State engage in a strike to address severe safety conditions within correctional facilities.

Stec is sponsoring legislation aimed at tackling several issues raised by correction officers. These include repealing HALT, mandating the use of body scanners, and enhancing secure vendor processes. The importance of these bills has been underscored by recent incidents threatening the safety of both officers and civilian staff.

"A few weeks ago, two dozen officers and civilian staffers at Upstate Correctional Facility received medical care after a synthetic drug exposure," Stec noted. "Last week, inmates took over dorms and forced a lockdown at Collins. These events are occurring because of HALT, loopholes in the secure vendor process and use of body scanners and reduced staffing levels. It’s clear that Commissioner Martuscello is incapable of responding to these very real safety concerns and has lost the trust of our correction officers."

Stec emphasized that for the safety of those involved and to restore confidence in DOCCS leadership, "Commissioner Martuscello must resign or be removed from his post."