“The uptick in violence at local correctional facilities is frankly unacceptable and the state must do more to protect the North Country residents who work at these facilities. I worked for twenty years in corrections which is why I was concerned that this would happen when the HALT Act was enacted and ultimately why I voted against this bill. There’s been a rise in violence the last few years and it will only get worse as the state takes away the ability to discipline incarcerated individuals for acting violently. These facilities are already short-staffed- how is DOCCS supposed to recruit new correctional officers after hearing these horror stories? How are things supposed to improve? The state must do more, and I will continue to stand with correctional officers and staff and call for safer working conditions.”