Dear Parole Officers,
 
Now that the Correction Officer strike is over, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) has an even worse staffing crisis after Governor Kathy Hochul fired 2,000 Correction Officers. 
 
As a result of the staffing crisis, DOCCS Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III announced on March 31st a plan to move inmates to “residential treatment outcount” status – meaning out of correctional facilities and into the community.  
 
Those eligible for early release will have to have an approved residence (which does not include a shelter or social services placement); must not have committed a class B through E violent felony or sex offense and are not serving a class A-1 or A-2 non-drug related sentence. Eligible inmates will also be within 15-110 days of the end of their sentence.
 
Inmates who are approved for early release would serve the remainder of their sentence at their approved residence under the supervision of a Parole Officer and would have to report to their assigned Parole Officer for an initial intake within the first 24 hours of their release.
 
This means, Parole Officers will supervise inmates in the community who will be required to follow correctional facility rules until their official parole release date is reached. 
 
Since the strike, Parole Officers’ duties have expanded to assist the staffing crisis at correctional facilities statewide. As a result, we’re demanding that Parole Officers receive the same benefits and union representation as Correction Officers, and higher pay. 
 
In order to achieve this goal, we’re asking all Parole Officers, Senior Parole Officers, and Parole Revocation Specialists to boycott the Public Employees Federation (PEF) by withholding union dues. This is the most effective way to get BIG PEF’s attention since the union has not effectively represented Parole Officers and is in bed with Governor Hochul.
 
If you truly want higher pay, a 25 and out retirement plan and other benefits enjoyed by Correction Officers, click here to boycott BIG PEF.   
 
In solidarity,
 
New York State Parole Officers