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Unions for COs, police back end to double bunking

Jun 14, 2021 12:55 pm

Mid-Hudson News reports that union officials for the New York State Corrections Officers and Police Benevolent Association are applauding state legislation to end the practice of double bunking in medium-security state correctional facilities. “Forcing incarcerated individuals to be ‘double-bunked was a necessary step decades ago when the state had to increase the capacity of its prison system, but that need no longer exists,” said union President Michael Powers. “By passing legislation prohibiting this outdated practice, the state is finally right-sizing the system with the safety and security of our staff in mind.” The bill needs Gov. Andrew Cuomo's signature to become law. Assemblyperson Billy Jones is a retired state corrections officer. “As a 20-year corrections officer, I’ve worked in dorms that utilize double bunks to house inmates,” he said. "The prison setting is stressful enough without requiring a single officer to supervise 60 inmates during a shift. The practice of double-bunking is irresponsible and outdated.” Read more about this story in Mid-Hudson News.