|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TODAY: 3/28/08
Contact: Suzanne Redmond (315) 255-3045
ASSEMBLYMAN FINCH JOINS CORRECTIONS
OFFICERS IN FIGHT TO KEEP CAMP PHARSALIA OPEN
Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C - Springport) is calling
on Brian Fischer, Commissioner of the Department of Corrections (DOC),
to reverse the decision to close Camp Pharsalia and three other
correctional facilities in Upstate New York. Finch will be joined on
Monday by over 1,000 Correctional Officers and civilian employees at the
state capitol to show their support for the reversal of the DOC's
decision.
"I strongly urge Commissioner Fischer to reverse his
decision and keep these facilities open," said Finch. "These brave
Correctional
Officers and civilian employees put their lives on the line every day,
doing their jobs despite the risk, not knowing if they are even coming
home at the end of the day. To think that the Department of Corrections
has knowingly decided to make their jobs even more dangerous by closing
facilities is unspeakable."
There are currently around 8,000 prisoners
double-bunked throughout the state. Double-bunking is known to create
dangerous working conditions in prisons and closing these facilities
will only exacerbate the issue by forcing more prisoners to double-bunk.
"Negotiations are continuing as we work towards
finalizing the budget. Revenues are down, but we cannot skimp on
funding for the
correctional system," Finch stated. "We must provide the safest working
environment as possible for our Correctional Officers civilian employees
and prevent the disruption of families that would occur by the shifting
of personnel if these closings become a reality."
-30- |
