Staffing Shortages Prompt Early Release of Inmates in New York

New York will begin releasing certain incarcerated individuals early as part of a new initiative by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to address ongoing staffing shortages in state prisons.

According to an internal memo issued by DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello, prison superintendents have been directed to compile lists of eligible inmates who meet specific criteria for early release.

How incarcerated individuals qualify for New York's early release:

Be between 15 and 110 days from their scheduled release date
Not be serving a sentence for an A-1 or A-2 non-drug offense, a class B through E violent felony offense, or a sex offense
Have an approved residence that is not a shelter or Department of Social Services (DSS) placement

Those approved for early release will serve the remainder of their sentence under the supervision of parole.

New York State to Implement Early Release Program Amid Prison Staffing Crisis

The early release plan follows a recent 22-day unsanctioned strike involving thousands of correction officers that disrupted prison operations. In response to the strike, the state terminated over 2,000 officers, a move that critics say exacerbated the staffing crisis.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s office released a statement in support of the initiative, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to public safety and efforts to address personnel shortages within the correctional system.

19 Of New York State's Most Wanted Criminals- April 2025

Below are individuals wanted by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's (DOCCS) Office of Special Investigations who have been designated as its Most Wanted Fugitives. They should be considered armed and dangerous. This list is current as of 4/02/2025:

NEVER attempt to apprehend a fugitive yourself. If you have information on the location of any of these fugitives, you can contact OSI 24 hours a day / 7 days a week to report it. All leads and tips are treated as confidential information.

If an immediate response is necessary, such as you see the wanted person at a location, please call “911” and report it to the police.

Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler