Brendan J. Lyons in the Times Union claims that Gov. Kathy Hochul is now meddling in the personnel decisions of the State Police unit that protects her, in similar ways to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Hochul's office, the report says, recently pushed for the promotion of the newly appointed head of the Protective Services Unit. Before that her office had a member put back on the detail after they were removed at the recommendation of a staff inspector. Lyon's also cites confidential records and interviews with multiple people to back up his assertion. Lyon's writes, "A former high-ranking State Police official, who spoke to the Times Union on the condition of not being identified, said the requests by governors for someone to be promoted, reassigned or demoted were almost always made by a top aide, rather than a governor themselves." Avi Small, a spokesperson for Hochul, said, “All personnel decisions at the New York State Police are made by the superintendent, and we are aware that acting Superintendent James has decided to make significant changes in top leadership positions.... Acting Superintendent James and the men and women of the New York State Police have Gov. Hochul’s full support.” Read more about this story in the Times Union.