NYSAC Calls on the State to Transfer Inmates that Should be in State Correctional Facilities

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) urges the State of New York to take immediate action to transfer state-ready inmates from county jails to state prisons without delay. This is not merely a matter of procedural efficiency, it is a pressing financial and operational concern affecting counties across the state.

What began as a temporary accommodation during the state prison system’s staffing crisis has evolved into a sustained and deeply problematic practice. The number of state-ready inmates in county jails has ballooned from approximately 200 before the crisis to more than 2,400 today.

NYSAC President Benjamin Boykin said, “County jails are not long-term correctional institutions. The prolonged retention of state-ready inmates in county jails undermines this fundamental purpose. These individuals have been adjudicated and are designated to serve their sentences in state prisons, yet they remain in local facilities, burdening counties with costs they cannot and should not be asked to sustain. The financial strain of housing state-ready inmates, coupled with the operational challenges of holding these state prison-ready inmates, diverts critical resources from other essential public services.”

The current situation exacerbates the strain on already overburdened county jail systems, compounding staffing shortages and operational challenges. Like state facilities, county jails face difficulties in recruiting and retaining corrections officers. As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain order, provide essential programming and services, and ensure the safety of inmates, corrections officers, and staff.

The State currently reimburses counties only up to $100 per day for housing state-ready inmates. This falls far below the actual cost, which can exceed $300 per day. The difference is being unfairly forced onto local taxpayers and placing unsustainable pressure on local corrections systems.

NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario said, “County jails are not equipped to manage the needs of long-term prisoners, both in terms of infrastructure and programming, yet counties are left to shoulder the responsibility and consequences of these delays at the state level. We’re calling on the State of New York to transfer these state-ready inmates in a reasonable timeframe and pay for the actual daily costs of these inmates while they are in county jails.”

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Media Contact: Mark LaVigne| mlavigne@nysac.org | 518-465-1473 x206