Corrections officers began returning to work on March 10 after weeks of protesting the HALT Act, a New York State law that limits prisoners’ time in solitary confinement. With the state meeting the officers’ union’s demands, the officers return to work under a grim reality — the harsh conditions inmates endured during the strikes and the neglect they suffered at the hands of the very system meant to oversee them.
With certain provisions of the HALT Act suspended for 90 days, a committee has been tasked with revising the law to balance inmate and staff safety. However, as these changes take shape, protecting the human rights and safety of all involved must remain a priority.
In mid-February, officers began leaving their posts over safety concerns, stating that the HALT Act’s restrictions on disciplinary measures have led to increased violence, risking the lives of both inmates and staff. With prisons severely understaffed for weeks and the untrained National Guard left in charge, seven prisoners lost their lives while many others went without food and medical care.
Two inmates at Auburn Correctional Facility died after failing to receive timely medical care. At Sing Sing Correctional Facility, a man took his own life in his cell following more than a week of inmates being confined to their housing areas.
Meals were also served late at the northern New York facility, and nurses completely stopped making routine rounds. Inmates told The New York Times that the National Guard officers — some of whom were college students and untrained to work at prisons — did attempt to help.
However, the absence of those directly responsible and trained to work in prisons left a profound impact on the state’s more than 30,000 inmates and their families, who were denied visits and communication with loved ones.
The officers’ actions put inmates’ lives at risk and stripped them of basic human rights, underscoring the forefront issue: the use of solitary confinement, which has left many officers uneasy since its passage in 2021.
The law restricts solitary confinement to no more than 15 consecutive days, requiring officers to justify the duration. It also bans its use for minors and individuals with certain disabilities.
Solitary confinement has severe mental health effects on prisoners. According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, it can cause brain damage, along with heightened risks of self-harm and suicide.
As changes to the law are expected in the coming weeks, the safety, well-being and mental health of inmates should be given top priority.
