Several counties in New York are now reportedly defying Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent order that permanently bans around 2,000 correctional officers she fired from ever working in state positions again. This decision followed the officers’ protests over unsafe conditions in understaffed prisons.
The day after the firings, Hochul signed an executive order preventing these officers from seeking employment anywhere in New York, including county governments.
In response, officials from Chemung, Oneida, and Rensselaer counties have announced plans to challenge the order legally or to outright defy it.
Chemung County has already filed a lawsuit, asserting that Hochul’s order is unconstitutional. Sheriff William Schrom emphasized the need to retain experienced personnel to staff jails effectively.
Oneida County’s Board of Legislators also approved a resolution to sue the state, with County Executive Anthony Picente stating that Hochul’s actions represent an overreach of authority that violates the county’s home rule powers.
He described the executive order as an abuse of power.
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin has taken a more defiant stance, vowing to ignore the order entirely.
He criticized Hochul’s decision as “reprehensible and vicious,” expressing his intention to hire as many correctional officers as possible despite the governor’s restrictions.
Hochul’s decision has raised concerns given the existing understaffing issues in New York’s prisons, which already faced approximately 2,000 vacant positions before the strikes began.
To fill the gaps, the governor has deployed National Guard members without proper training, a controversial move that has led to complaints about their living conditions while on duty.
The situation highlights the growing tension between local governments and state leadership regarding public safety and operational control in correctional facilities.
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