MAYVILLE, NY – Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. Friday called for the immediate repeal of New York State’s HALT Act and strongly opposed Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent proclamation barring terminated correctional officers from future employment in the state’s public service system.
“The situation in New York’s correctional facilities has reached a crisis point,” said Wendel. “The HALT Act and other reckless policies have empowered violent inmates, stripped correction officers of the tools they need to maintain order, and placed both staff and incarcerated individuals in grave danger. The data is clear—since its enactment, we’ve seen an alarming spike in assaults against officers, nurses, caregivers, and even other inmates. This is completely unacceptable.”
On March 11, 2025 Governor Hochul issued an executive order permanently bars correctional officers who were terminated following a recent three-week strike from obtaining future state employment. The strike was driven by officers’ concerns over deteriorating prison safety conditions, including chronic understaffing, mandatory overtime, excessively long shifts, and the negative impact of the HALT Act.
“I wholeheartedly disagree with the Governor’s decision barring these officers from public service,” Wendel stated. “These men and women put their lives on the line to protect our communities, the state should address their legitimate concerns. New York needs experienced correctional officers now more than ever, the Governor should not shut the door on thousands of trained professionals who could help restore order to our prisons.”
During the strike, the New York State Department of Corrections circumvented union leadership by ordering officers back to work under threat of termination. When nearly 2,000 officers remained on strike, the state swiftly terminated them and began canceling their health insurance. Meanwhile, prison violence has continued to escalate at an alarming rate. A recent Department of Corrections report reveals an 85% increase in assaults on correctional officers from 2019 to 2024. Inmate-on-inmate violence has also surged by 81% since the HALT Act was enacted.
“The HALT Act has made New York’s prisons more dangerous for everyone—officers, staff, and inmates alike,” Wendel continued. “We cannot allow misguided policies to fuel chaos and violence in our correctional facilities. I urge the Governor to take immediate action, repeal the HALT Act and reinstate terminated officers who wish to return to service.”
Wendel reaffirmed his commitment to standing with New York’s correctional officers in their fight for safer working conditions and called on the state’s leadership to engage in meaningful reforms.
“It’s time for the Governor and the Legislature to listen to those on the front lines,” said Wendel. “We must restore order, protect those who serve, and ensure the safety of everyone in our correctional system. My door is always open to help facilitate this dialogue. I have always, and will always, back our law enforcement community.”
As County Executive, Wendel is committed to maintaining fair and equal employment strategies in Chautauqua County. He encourages any correction officers who have decided to make a career change to visit CHQGov.com/jobs and consider applying for a role within Chautauqua County Government.
“To those who have dedicated their careers to public safety and now find themselves unfairly cast aside, I want to extend a warm welcome,” Wendel stated. “Chautauqua County values your experience, dedication, and service, and we invite you to explore opportunities within our county government where your skills can continue to make a difference.”
