County Executive PJ Wendel is pictured making a statement opposing the early release of prisoners from state prisons. State officials say the early release is needed because of a lack of corrections officers in the wake of the firing of 2,000 officers earlier this month.

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to release some inmates early because the state doesn’t have enough corrections officers is drawing criticism from County Executive PJ Wendel and state Sen. George Borrello.

The release comes weeks after the state fired more than 2,000 guards who went on strike over poor working conditions. According to the Associated Press, in a memo Monday, corrections Commissioner Daniel Martuscello directed prison leaders to begin identifying inmates who were convicted of minor crimes and already set for release within 15 to 110 days to be considered for an early discharge.

Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, said the early releases may not be necessary because of the way Hochul carried out the correction officer firings.

“The decision by Governor Hochul and DOCCS to begin releasing some inmates early is yet another example of the staggering mismanagement and neglect that has come to define their approach to public safety,” Borrello said in a statement. “In taking this step, they are not only defying the will of the courts and the people but further eroding confidence in our criminal justice system. What makes this even more infuriating is that, while the governor claims the staffing crisis leaves her no choice, she continues to deny countless correction officers–many of whom were wrongfully terminated while on FMLA or Workers’ Comp–the opportunity to return to work. She could take steps towards easing this crisis tomorrow by reinstating these experienced, willing officers. Instead, we’re seeing one reckless policy after another put communities at risk and erode the rule of law. New Yorkers deserve a government that prioritizes safety, accountability, and the hardworking men and women who uphold it — not one that keeps stumbling through crises of its own making.”

Inmates convicted of sex crimes, violent felonies or serious felonies such as murder, terrorism and arson would not be eligible for early release, the state corrections department said. Martuscello wrote that the early releases would occur ‘in view of the current staffing crisis, and in order to have the appropriate balance between the safety and well-being of those working and residing” in state prisons.

The move came after a widespread corrections officer strike that lasted for 22 days and crippled the operations of state’s prison system. The state eventually fired more than 2,000 guards who refused to return to work after the state and guards’ union reached a deal to end the work stoppage.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, signed an executive order that prevents state agencies from hiring guards who were fired for striking.

A spokeswoman for Hochul said the governor supports Martuscello’s “efforts to safely address staffing shortages and personnel concerns” in a statement Tuesday.

Wendel called the decision “shortsighted and dangerous” in a statement Wednesday while asking Hochul and state officials to reverse the decision. He said the state should reinstate the fired corrections officers, repeal the HALT act that limits the use of solitary confinement in prisons and do more to hire more corrections officers.

“Iit was announced yesterday that they intend to release convicted felons early into our communities in order to have, and I quote, ‘The appropriate balance between the safety and well-being of those working and residing and DOCCS correctional facilities and public safety,'” Wendel said. “There you have it friends. The reason our corrections officers were on strike was because they had unsafe working conditions and in the very quote, the Department of Corrections and the governor admits there are unsafe working conditions, but instead of reaching out for a long-term decision and working with corrections officers the governor and the Department of Corrections has chosen to work with the incarcerated individuals, the convicted felons, those who have committed crimes and have been sentenced to New York state prisons. This rash decision will not solve the problems in the New York state prison system, but instead it’s going to put our communities at risk.”