Malone, New York, November 19, 2025
The New York State Department of Corrections has announced that the Bare Hill Correctional Facility in Malone will close on March 11, 2026, due to ongoing staffing shortages and declining inmate populations. All 293 staff members will be offered positions at other facilities to avoid layoffs. This decision is part of a larger strategy to optimize the state’s correctional system while addressing significant staffing challenges exacerbated by a wildcat strike in early 2025.
Malone, New York – Bare Hill Correctional Facility to Close Amid Staffing Crisis
Malone, New York – The New York State Department of Corrections has announced the closure of the Bare Hill Correctional Facility in Malone, scheduled for March 11, 2026. This decision aims to address ongoing staffing shortages and declining inmate populations across the state’s correctional facilities.
Closure Details
The closure of Bare Hill Correctional Facility is part of a broader strategy to optimize the state’s prison system. A comprehensive review of operations, including staffing levels, bed availability, infrastructure, and security requirements, led to this decision. The Department of Corrections has stated that none of the 293 staff members will face layoffs; instead, they will be offered positions at other correctional facilities to mitigate the impact on employees.
Background on Staffing Challenges
New York’s correctional system has been grappling with significant staffing shortages, a situation exacerbated by a wildcat strike in early 2025. During that strike, approximately 2,000 corrections officers were terminated for not returning to work, further depleting the workforce. As of September 2025, the Department of Corrections reported a staffing level of about 11,300 corrections officers, a reduction from the previous year. This shortage has led to increased reliance on National Guard troops to maintain facility operations, with some facilities operating at reduced staffing levels, such as 70% capacity being considered “full staffing.”
Implications of the Closure
The closure of Bare Hill Correctional Facility is expected to contribute to the state’s efforts to streamline operations and address the staffing crisis. However, the reduction in facilities may lead to increased populations in remaining prisons, potentially impacting the conditions and safety within those institutions. The Department of Corrections has indicated that the transition will be managed carefully to minimize disruptions and ensure the continued safety and security of both staff and inmates.
Looking Ahead
Governor Kathy Hochul has acknowledged that resolving the staffing issues within the correctional system will require time and sustained effort. Initiatives such as lowering the minimum age requirement for corrections officers from 21 to 18 and expanding programs that allow incarcerated individuals to earn time off their sentences are among the proposed reforms aimed at addressing these challenges. The state continues to explore various strategies to rebuild the workforce and improve conditions within its correctional facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is the Bare Hill Correctional Facility closing?
The closure is part of a broader strategy to address staffing shortages and declining inmate populations across New York’s correctional facilities. A comprehensive review of operations, including staffing levels, bed availability, infrastructure, and security requirements, led to this decision.
Will staff members lose their jobs due to the closure?
No, none of the 293 staff members at Bare Hill Correctional Facility will face layoffs. They will be offered positions at other correctional facilities to mitigate the impact on employees.
How has the staffing crisis affected New York’s correctional system?
The staffing crisis has led to increased reliance on National Guard troops to maintain facility operations. Some facilities have operated at reduced staffing levels, such as 70% capacity being considered “full staffing.” The shortage has also resulted in the termination of approximately 2,000 corrections officers who did not return to work during a wildcat strike in early 2025.
What measures are being taken to address the staffing shortages?
Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed reforms such as lowering the minimum age requirement for corrections officers from 21 to 18 and expanding programs that allow incarcerated individuals to earn time off their sentences. These initiatives aim to rebuild the workforce and improve conditions within correctional facilities.
What are the potential impacts of closing correctional facilities?
The closure of correctional facilities may lead to increased populations in remaining prisons, potentially impacting conditions and safety within those institutions. The Department of Corrections is managing the transition carefully to minimize disruptions and ensure the continued safety and security of both staff and inmates.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Facility Closure | Bare Hill Correctional Facility in Malone, New York, is scheduled to close on March 11, 2026, due to staffing shortages and declining inmate populations. |
| Staffing Impact | 293 staff members will be offered positions at other correctional facilities to mitigate the impact of the closure. |
| Staffing Crisis | The New York State Department of Corrections is facing significant staffing shortages, exacerbated by a wildcat strike in early 2025, leading to increased reliance on National Guard troops and reduced staffing levels in some facilities. |
| Proposed Reforms | Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed reforms such as lowering the minimum age requirement for corrections officers from 21 to 18 and expanding programs that allow incarcerated individuals to earn time off their sentences to address staffing shortages. |
| Potential Impacts | The closure may lead to increased populations in remaining prisons, potentially impacting conditions and safety within those institutions. The Department of Corrections is managing the transition carefully to minimize disruptions and ensure the continued safety and security of both staff and inmates. |
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