Roughly 2,000 fired New York correction officers may now work in county jails after Gov. Kathy Hochul reversed course on a proposed lifetime ban, according to the Times Union.
The officers lost their peace officer certifications after refusing to return from a three-week strike that crippled state prisons. Initially, Hochul’s executive order barred them from state or county employment, prompting lawsuits from counties like Oneida and Chemung. Facing backlash from sheriffs and local officials, her administration dropped plans for permanent disqualification once the order expires April 9.
While they remain barred from state jobs, former officers can now reapply for county positions—relieving understaffed local jails. Meanwhile, grievances from officers claiming excused absences are being reviewed individually.
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