Local leaders in Western New York are speaking out after the New York State Department of Corrections granted early release to some inmates.

Chautauqua County Executive Paul Wendel opposes the decision, calling it "shortsighted and dangerous." He wants Gov. Kathy Hochul to instead focus on long-term solutions such as reinstating terminated corrections officers, repealing the HALT Act, and ensuring adequate staffing in correctional facilities. 

"Instead of reaching out for long-term decisions and working with correction officers, the governor and the Department of Corrections have chosen to work with the incarcerated individuals," Wendel said. "This rash decision will not solve the problem in the New York state prison system, but will instead put our communities at risk. I call on Gov. Hochul and the Department of Corrections to reverse this decision [and] instead work toward long-term solutions. Let's reinstate the countless corrections officers who have given their time to protect their community. It's time to stop jeopardizing public safety in New York state and it's time to stand up for law and order."

Sen. Pat Gallivan said that he is both concerned and troubled by this decision. 

"The decision to make hundreds of inmates eligible for early release to address the current staffing crisis in our prisons raises serious concerns about public safety," Sen. Gallivan said. "The staffing shortage is due in large part to the decision to fire correction officers who violated the state’s Taylor Law. The Taylor Law, however, provides penalty options short of termination. Instead of releasing inmates, the state can immediately address the staffing concerns by re-hiring the fired correction officers who want their jobs back."    

The state's decision to release inmates follows a recent correction officer strike that resulted in the termination of 2,000 COs across the state. 

DOCCS officials cited the need to restore safe staffing levels for the facility, one of the main issues driving the unsanctioned strike.