Assemblyman renews call for Prisoner Privileges Limitation Law & Independent Investigation of NY Prison Break to ensure this doesn’t happen again  

Statement from Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville)

“The people of New York State can finally breathe a sigh of relief thanks to the tireless efforts of all the law enforcement units who tracked down the worst-of-the-worst escaped inmates under some of the most difficult conditions imaginable.”

“It is thanks to our local and state police and federal law enforcement agencies along with assistance from police from other states and communities and all the people who volunteered their time providing support to our police and the tips from the public that they were able to successfully find the two escaped convicts without any innocent loss of life or injury.”

“Now that Richard Matt is dead and David Sweat is back in custody, an outside and truly independent investigator should be appointed to examine what caused the prison break and then make recommendations to help prevent something like this from happening again. An in-house Moreland-like investigator that reports to the Administration is not acceptable.”

“When the Legislature returns for session, it should bring forward and pass my legislation, the “Prisoner Privileges Limitation Law”, to prevent murderers and rapists from having unfettered access to civilians at prisons and being able to wear civilian clothing while incarcerated.  The legislation, (A.8306/S.5978), would still allow for some incentives for good behavior for the worst of the worst inmates. However, inmates would no longer be able to possess civilian garb. The worst offenders would be allowed to continue to participate in civilian-run programs only if there is sufficient staffing by trained correction guards to ensure the inmates never have an opportunity to be alone with a civilian.  The bill, which should be fairly non-controversial and seems like a no-brainer, is being sponsoring in the State Senate by Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R,C,I-Elma), Chair of the Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee.”