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Dutchess County is actively recruiting former state correction officers who were recently dismissed by Governor Kathy Hochul. The officers were terminated after participating in a three-week unauthorized strike protesting unsafe conditions and excessive overtime in state prisons. Despite the governor's executive order preventing counties from hiring these officers, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and Sheriff Kirk Imperati are pushing forward with their recruitment campaign.
During a press conference on Monday (March 24), Serino and Imperati emphasized the value of the officers' experience and highlighted the state-of-the-art facilities at the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center. Sheriff Imperati noted that the new jail offers a safer working environment compared to state facilities, which he hopes will attract the displaced workers.
Former state officer Patrick Beal, who now works with Dutchess County, shared his experiences, contrasting the quick response times and support at the county level with the challenging conditions he faced at Green Haven.
Serino expressed her appreciation for correction officers, stating, "We understand how essential correction officers are to the safety and wellbeing of our communities. This campaign isn’t just about hiring – it’s about restoring dignity and respect to a position that’s too often overlooked." Ulster County, however, has no plans to hire any of the terminated guards.