“They’re sick of it,” Tony Privitera, a corrections officer at Lakeview Shock, said of officers protesting across the region. “They’ve had enough.”

The strikes are in response to recent events across the state regarding unsafe conditions for corrections officers. The latest incident took place Wednesday in Collins, when a lockdown was initiated following a use of force to recover cell phones in the possession of an incarcerated individual.

According to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), “The other incarcerated individuals in his dorm became agitated and attempted to check on the incarcerated individual in possession of the phones, who was not injured. On site, staff and supervisors de-escalated the incident and the incarcerated returned to their cubes. Later that morning, as a result of various potential threats, staff exited three dorms without incident.”

But it did not stop there. Lockdown protocols were initiated on Wednesday and continued until Saturday. Following a frisk and search of inmates and cells, 23 weapons were recovered.

Corrections officers stand near the Lakeview Shock Facility near Brocton.

Privitera called the incident in Collins “the tip of the iceberg” regarding the issues in correctional facilities across the state.

Privitera spoke on the matter while gathered outside of the Brocton facility with fellow corrections officers and supporters.

“The officers here are on strike due to the working conditions that are going on inside every jail throughout New York State,” Privitera said. He said the group gathered because of frustration with mandates from the State level, including reduced staffing statewide and the restrictions on disciplinary action that can be taken against inmates.

Corrections Officers on strike in Collins Monday carried a list of more than a dozen demands. First among them is the reversal of the HALT Act, which has limited the ability for officers to use disciplinary actions against incarcerated individuals. Second on the list of demands is the elimination of 30% staffing reductions.

Other demands listed by protesters Monday morning include mandatory body scans for visitors; incoming mail to be photocopied and/or scanned; the right for facility superintendents to individually determine lockdowns and program closures without repercussions; no disciplinary actions taken against protesters; and several suggested pay-related demands. The protesters also suggested several staffing solutions, including a pilot program to incentivize new employees.

“We’ve asked for help,” Privitera said. He stated that corrections officers have sent letters to Albany, requested sit-downs with policy makers, and held rallies to voice their concerns.

“We’ve done everything that (we) can do to get help and they still are refusing to help,” Privitera said.

Now, it appears that the issues have reached a breaking point.

Lakeview Shock was directly impacted by the cuts and mandates last month, as four officers were injured and exposed to an unknown substance on Jan. 23 after a combative inmate attacked them as they entered his cell when he covered the cell door window and refused to respond to orders. The officers were injured when they opened his cell door, and he charged at them.

Along with the injuries the four officers sustained in the attack, they also developed shortness of breath, tightness in their chests, elevated blood pressure and fatigue. They were transported to Westfield Hospital and treated and released and did not return to duty.

State Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, R-Westfield, acknowledged the crisis taking place under Gov. Kathy Hochul has led to a “breaking point.”

“The brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our prisons secure are being forced to work under dangerous conditions, without the staffing, protections or resources they need to do their jobs safely,” Molitor said. “The statewide demonstrations are a direct result of the governor’s neglect and misguided policies. …

“I stand with our correctional officers and demand immediate action to address their concerns. The governor must take responsibility for this crisis and work to restore safety, security and sanity to our prison system before it’s too late.”

Hochul Tuesday announced preparations to utilize the New York National Guard to protect correction officers who are currently on the job, individuals in DOCCS care and the communities surrounding these correctional facilities. The governor also directed Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel Martuscello and senior Administration officials to meet with leaders from the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association to call for an end to the unlawful work stoppage that is causing significant public safety concerns across New York.

“The illegal and unlawful actions being taken by a number of correction officers must end immediately,” Hochul said. “We will not allow these individuals to jeopardize the safety of their colleagues, incarcerated people, and the residents of communities surrounding our correctional facilities. I have directed my Administration to meet with union leadership to resolve this situation and have also ordered the National Guard be mobilized to secure our correctional facilities in the event it is not resolved by tomorrow. Correction officers do difficult work under challenging circumstances, and I have consistently fought for them to have better pay and working conditions and will continue to do so.”

Governor Hochul is preparing to deploy members of the New York National Guard to DOCCS facilities tomorrow if the unlawful work stoppage does not end, and will begin to take appropriate disciplinary action as necessary. The Governor has also directed her Counsel to work with the Office of the Attorney General on legal mechanisms such as the Taylor Law which will compel employees to return to work.

DOCCS Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III said, “Earlier today we met with NYSCOPBA President Summers and his Executive Board to discuss a path forward to returning all facilities to normal operations and ending this illegal strike. The safety and security of the staff and incarcerated population is paramount to me. I value the hard work and commitment of the men and women at DOCCS who have had to sacrifice time with their families due to the current staffing shortage. However, this illegal job action involving NYSCOPBA members is causing irreparable harm to the operations of the department and jeopardizing the safety and security of their co-workers within these facilities. We will continue to develop strategies to reduce assaults and to bring more staff on board with NYSCOPBA, the recognized bargaining agency for correction officers and sergeants. There is always room for progress and for disagreements and we welcome continued dialogue with the union at the table. At this time, I am urging all those on strike to end this job action.”