Gov. Hochul releases convicts from prisons after firings of officers during shortage

New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul fired thousands of correction officers after they went on strike over dangerous work conditions, and now, after she has created the shortage, she's releasing hundreds of convicts. In other words, she created the problem and now has created another one to handle the problem she created.

New York State Department of Corrections (DOCCS) Commissioner Daniel Martuscello released a memo on Monday, ordering prison superintendents to start figuring out which inmates qualify for early release, per new rules. Who are they to release: those who only killed one person? Those who have been convicted only four times of DUI? Domestic violence offenders? Politicians?

“In view of the current staffing crisis, and in order to have the appropriate balance between safety and well-being of those working and residing in DOCCS Correctional Facilities and public safety, it is appropriate that I, as Commissioner, exercise my authority pursuant to … move individuals from the Department’s general conferment facilities, into Residential Treatment outcount status,” the memo states.

Hochul, hoping to put a bandaid on an arterial bleed, approved the memo, with the governor’s spokesman Matt Janiszewski saying that her “top priority is the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers.” And if you believe that, you might think Jimmy Hoffa is buried below home plate in Yankee Stadium.

“The Governor is aware of Commissioner Martuscello’s memo and supports his efforts to safely address staffing shortages and personnel concerns,” Janiszewski added.

You knew it was coming. Citing staffing shortages — caused by the governor’s firing of 2,000 guards — the state of New York is releasing convicts from prison. pic.twitter.com/NVteaO6USI

— Bob Lonsberry (@BobLonsberry)

Hochul was criticized for the move, especially considering the debacle is her fault. 

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) called Hochul’s decision to back the early release of some inmates “a dangerous misstep that puts all New Yorkers at risk.”

But decisions like Hochul's rarely if ever affect the politicians who make them. 

“Albany Democrats’ pro-criminal policies, like the HALT Act, have crippled our prisons, leaving them understaffed and unsafe while crime surges in our communities,” Lawler’s statement said. “We need leaders who will tackle tough problems head-on, not resort to quick fixes that compromise the safety of law-abiding citizens. New Yorkers deserve better than policies that prioritize criminals over victims.”

pic.twitter.com/C1Cc6oIa4J

— Mike Lawler (@lawler4ny) April 1, 2025

“Kathy Hochul closed prisons and fired prison guards and now — citing overcrowding and insufficient staff — is releasing convicts from prison, just in time to buy favor with pro-criminal Democrats in the Assembly and Senate,” Rochester-based journalist and radio host Bob Lonsberry reacted. “What a funny coincidence.”

Any crimes committed by any of the releasees is on Hochul's empty head.

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