NY closes two maximum security prisons

DOCCS announced Thursday that the Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Washington County and the Sullivan Correctional Facility in Sullivan County will close on Nov. 6. Great Meadow has 559 employees and houses 480 inmates, while Sullivan has 371 employees and 426 inmates.

In a statement, DOCCS detailed how it will determine which prisons to close this year. The department reviewed the operations of its 44 correctional facilities, including inmate size, infrastructure, programs and security levels. Other factors, such as previous closures in a region, were taken into account.

DOCCS concluded that Great Meadow and Sullivan Correctional Facilities could be safely closed. Both prisons are operating at well below capacity.

“The decision to close these facilities was difficult for everyone involved,” the agency said in a statement. “Correctional agencies across the country continue to struggle to meet staffing needs, and the agency is no exception despite new and aggressive recruitment efforts.”

“The closure of the two facilities will help ensure the safe and efficient operation of the system by using staff more effectively and delivering programs in a safe manner.”

Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed budget for 2024-25 called for the closure of up to five prisons. The state budget passed in April includes provisions that allow for accelerated prison closures.

DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III, testifying at a budget hearing in January, told lawmakers that the agency was looking to close more prisons because of a “staffing crisis.” At the time of his comments, the agency had 3,800 vacancies, including 1,900 correctional officer positions.

Another factor is the declining prison population. The number of inmates has fallen from a peak of 72,773 in 1999 to 33,419 as of Thursday.

DOCCS could have closed more prisons, but chose two to “minimize the impact on staff while attempting to address staffing shortages in our correctional facilities.” More closures are possible if there is no increased recruitment.

According to DOCCS, no layoffs are expected. Staff at Great Meadow and Sullivan will be offered positions at other correctional facilities. Inmates will be transferred to other prisons where there are available beds.

Chris Summers, president of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, criticized DOCCS's decision to close two more prisons amid rising violence and ongoing staff cuts.

“Redistributing staff through prison closures will do the same thing it always does: increase staffing levels in a few facilities in the short term, with little to no long-term relief,” Summers said. He called on the state to take “bold and creative action” to address staffing problems.

After the prisons close, DOCCS plans to work with Empire State Development and the state Office of General Services to find new uses for the facilities.